WEBVTT 00:00:00.232 --> 00:00:03.795 Good evening everyone. Please welcome the Deputy Mayor of the 00:00:03.820 --> 00:00:06.286 City of Melton, Councillor Doctor Phillip Zada. 00:00:19.426 --> 00:00:23.849 Good evening everyone, and welcome. Please stand for the opening Prayer 00:00:23.878 --> 00:00:28.449 and reconciliation statement. Almighty God, we humbly beseech 00:00:28.474 --> 00:00:32.111 thee to vouchsafe thy blessing upon this Council. Direct and prosper 00:00:32.144 --> 00:00:37.516 its deliberations to the advancement of thy glory and the 00:00:37.549 --> 00:00:42.488 welfare of the people whom we serve. Amen. Melton City Council 00:00:42.521 --> 00:00:46.792 acknowledges that we are that the land is now. Sorry. Start again. 00:00:46.825 --> 00:00:50.262 Melton City Council acknowledges that the land is now occupies has a 00:00:50.295 --> 00:00:53.699 history that began with the indigenous occupants. The Kulin 00:00:53.732 --> 00:00:58.557 Nation Council pays its respects to the Kulin Nation people and their 00:00:58.624 --> 00:01:01.876 elders and descendants, past and present. Please be seated. 00:01:14.462 --> 00:01:18.157 I'd like to welcome everyone to Melton City Council. Tonight's 00:01:18.190 --> 00:01:21.160 Council meeting for the Monday the 27th of April 2026 is being 00:01:21.193 --> 00:01:25.097 conducted in person in the Council chamber and is also being live 00:01:25.130 --> 00:01:29.067 streamed via the Council's website. We thank everyone attending in the 00:01:29.101 --> 00:01:32.271 gallery, and we thank those who are joining our live stream. This 00:01:32.304 --> 00:01:36.175 meeting will be held in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 00:01:36.208 --> 00:01:39.144 and the Council's governance rules, and I bookmark. Recording of the 00:01:39.178 --> 00:01:43.382 meeting will be made available on council's website in the coming 00:01:43.415 --> 00:01:46.752 days. Viewers and listeners should note that Council is the copyright 00:01:46.777 --> 00:01:50.941 owner of the live stream. Notwithstanding anything appearing 00:01:51.022 --> 00:01:53.958 on council's website, any recording, copying or other use of the live 00:01:53.992 --> 00:01:57.262 stream is strictly prohibited and would infringe on council's 00:01:57.295 --> 00:01:59.815 copyright. We also remind members of the gallery to refrain from 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:04.548 taking any photos or making a recording of any kind, unless 00:02:04.573 --> 00:02:10.041 invited to do so. I will now confirm with the Melted City 00:02:10.074 --> 00:02:13.277 Council's Chief Executive Officer, Roslyn Wai, if there are any 00:02:13.311 --> 00:02:16.747 apologies or requests for leave of absence for this evening's meeting. 00:02:16.781 --> 00:02:20.651 Deputy mayor the Mayor Councillor Carli has submitted an apology for 00:02:20.685 --> 00:02:23.588 this evening's meeting. Thank you Ms Wai. I have spoken to Councillor 00:02:23.621 --> 00:02:29.260 Carli. She's unwell and regrets not being here with us tonight. We all 00:02:29.293 --> 00:02:34.098 wish her a speedy recovery. Changes to the order of business. There are 00:02:34.131 --> 00:02:38.769 no changes to the order of business this evening. Point for deputations. 00:02:38.803 --> 00:02:41.572 There are no deputations to be heard tonight. Item five. 00:02:41.606 --> 00:02:45.743 Declaration of any pecuniary interests, other interests or 00:02:45.776 --> 00:02:49.213 conflict of interest of any Councillor. Councillors. Pursuant 00:02:49.247 --> 00:02:52.750 to part six Division two of the Local Government Act 2020, the 00:02:52.783 --> 00:02:56.587 Council's governance rules. We must declare any conflicts of interest 00:02:56.621 --> 00:02:59.590 or material conflicts of interest we have in any of the matters being 00:02:59.624 --> 00:03:02.793 considered at tonight's meeting. In addition to declaring that the 00:03:02.827 --> 00:03:06.797 nature and type of any conflicts of interest immediately prior to the 00:03:06.831 --> 00:03:11.769 relevant item in the agenda being heard, provision has also been made 00:03:11.802 --> 00:03:18.709 at this point in the agenda for declarations of interest to be made. 00:03:18.743 --> 00:03:24.782 Do any councillors have any interest they wish to declare? No 00:03:24.815 --> 00:03:28.152 thank you, councillors point six adoption and confirmation of 00:03:28.185 --> 00:03:34.558 minutes from previous meetings. Do I have a Councillor to move a 00:03:34.592 --> 00:03:38.596 motion? Councillor Ramsey. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Mayor. I move the 00:03:38.629 --> 00:03:43.334 recommendation that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 00:03:43.367 --> 00:03:47.338 23rd of March, 2026, be confirmed as the true and correct record. 00:03:47.371 --> 00:03:51.275 Thank you. Councillor Ramsey do I have a seconder for the motion? 00:03:51.309 --> 00:03:54.512 Councillor Abboushi happy to second that. Councillor Zada. Thank you 00:03:54.545 --> 00:04:05.489 Councillor Abboushi councillors. I now put the motion to a vote. All. 00:04:05.523 --> 00:04:09.193 All those in favour? I declare the motion carried unanimously. Item 00:04:09.226 --> 00:04:13.464 seven summary of informal minutes of councils. There is a 00:04:13.497 --> 00:04:17.268 recommendation. The agenda. Do I have a Councillor to move a motion? 00:04:17.301 --> 00:04:22.273 Councillor Abboushi. Thank you. Councillor Zada that the summaries 00:04:22.306 --> 00:04:24.775 of informal meetings of councillors dated 16th of March, 2026 and 23rd 00:04:24.809 --> 00:04:29.547 of March 2026, provided as appendices one and two respectively 00:04:29.580 --> 00:04:31.949 to this report be received and noted. Thank you, thank you, 00:04:31.983 --> 00:04:36.754 Councillor Abboushi. Do I have a seconder for the motion? Councillor 00:04:36.787 --> 00:04:41.759 Morris thank you, Deputy Mayor. Happy to second that. Thank you 00:04:41.792 --> 00:04:48.099 councillors. I now put the motion to a vote. All those in favour? I 00:04:48.132 --> 00:04:50.968 declare the motion carried unanimously. Item eight 00:04:51.002 --> 00:04:54.472 correspondence inwards. There are no parliamentary or departmental 00:04:54.505 --> 00:04:58.743 letters received in response to notices of motion to be tabled this 00:04:58.776 --> 00:05:04.248 evening. Item nine petitions and joint Letters. There are no 00:05:04.281 --> 00:05:07.718 petitions or joint letters to be tabled at this evening. Point ten 00:05:07.752 --> 00:05:13.224 resumption of debate or other business carried over from previous 00:05:13.257 --> 00:05:17.194 meeting. There are no business carried over public Question Time. 00:05:17.228 --> 00:05:21.932 .11 Ms Wai have we received any public questions? Deputy Mayor, 00:05:21.966 --> 00:05:28.072 there are 34 public questions to be read out. The first public question 00:05:28.105 --> 00:05:31.475 is from Srinivasan Palanisamy, and it reads the community welcomed the 00:05:31.509 --> 00:05:37.314 announcement of the 1.9 million intersection upgrades for Oxford 00:05:37.348 --> 00:05:39.850 Road at both Wilson Road and Northcott Street in the 2025 2026 00:05:39.884 --> 00:05:43.421 planning. Given the importance of these intersections for local 00:05:43.454 --> 00:05:46.590 traffic flow and safety, what is the current timeline for delivery 00:05:46.624 --> 00:05:49.760 and when can residents expect to see works begin on site? And the 00:05:49.794 --> 00:05:53.431 response from Neil Whiteside, the Director of City Delivery, the 00:05:53.464 --> 00:05:57.468 Oxford Road, Wilson Road and Oxford Road Northcott Street Intersection 00:05:57.501 --> 00:06:00.638 Upgrade Project is in its final design and approval stage service 00:06:00.671 --> 00:06:04.308 relocation works are expected to commence on site in the next six 00:06:04.341 --> 00:06:07.378 months, with construction works anticipated to commence in 2027, 00:06:07.411 --> 00:06:10.448 subject to the award of contract. Thank you. Our next question is 00:06:10.481 --> 00:06:13.617 from Lachlan Green and it reads will Melbourne City Council 00:06:13.651 --> 00:06:17.588 consider revisiting and implementing a 2021 proposal to 00:06:17.621 --> 00:06:20.491 upgrade Station Road and Brookland Road to a Signalised intersection? 00:06:20.524 --> 00:06:23.694 This proposal received strong community support. This 00:06:23.727 --> 00:06:27.098 intersection is currently a single lane roundabout, which is routinely 00:06:27.131 --> 00:06:30.634 throughout the day and night, a choke point which will only get 00:06:30.668 --> 00:06:35.206 worse and worse as the area continues to boom. This was put 00:06:35.239 --> 00:06:38.742 forward to the community in 2021 and since then it is needed now 00:06:38.776 --> 00:06:41.712 more than ever. And the response from the Director of City Delivery 00:06:41.745 --> 00:06:44.381 in 2021, Council officers investigated an upgrade of the 00:06:44.415 --> 00:06:47.551 Station Road and Brooklyn Road intersection, including 00:06:47.585 --> 00:06:50.754 Signalisation, noting at the time the nearby level crossing was 00:06:50.788 --> 00:06:53.624 expected to remain in place. The proposed signals were intended to 00:06:53.657 --> 00:06:57.228 help manage traffic flows, particularly when level crossing 00:06:57.261 --> 00:06:59.697 boom gates were operating. Since that time, the delivery of the 00:06:59.730 --> 00:07:03.701 level crossing removal project has changed the traffic conditions in 00:07:03.734 --> 00:07:06.837 the area and will provide improved network and performance. As a 00:07:06.871 --> 00:07:09.473 result, Council considered it appropriate to reassess the 00:07:09.507 --> 00:07:12.510 operation of intersection once the level crossing works are complete 00:07:12.543 --> 00:07:15.579 and traffic patterns have stabilised. Thank you. We have a 00:07:15.613 --> 00:07:19.183 second question from Lachlan Green and it reads. Will the Council 00:07:19.216 --> 00:07:22.286 consider abandoning the minor adjustment work schedule for 00:07:22.319 --> 00:07:25.422 Northcote Street and Wilson Road intersections, which do not cause 00:07:25.456 --> 00:07:28.893 any real problems for local residents and instead focus on the 00:07:28.926 --> 00:07:31.462 major daily congestion at Brooklyn Road and Station Street 00:07:31.495 --> 00:07:34.999 intersection, which is a major choke point for local residents 00:07:35.032 --> 00:07:37.601 travelling to and from Mountain South and the nearby railway 00:07:37.635 --> 00:07:40.137 station. Melton is the fastest growing region in the state and 00:07:40.171 --> 00:07:43.574 deserves better intersections around the railway station. The 00:07:43.607 --> 00:07:46.677 response from the Director of City Delivery Council officers note that 00:07:46.710 --> 00:07:49.847 the Coburns Road and Station Street intersections on Brooklyn Road 00:07:49.880 --> 00:07:53.117 experience congestion, particularly during peak travel periods, and 00:07:53.150 --> 00:07:56.353 understands the impact this has on residents travelling to and from 00:07:56.387 --> 00:07:59.390 Melton South and the railway station. Council managers and 00:07:59.423 --> 00:08:02.726 prioritise intersection upgrades across the city based on safety, 00:08:02.760 --> 00:08:06.463 risk, network performance and available funding and external 00:08:06.497 --> 00:08:08.666 approvals. The works planned for Northcote Street and Wilson Road 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:11.702 intersections are being delivered in response to demonstrated road 00:08:11.735 --> 00:08:15.105 safety concerns. Identified through the Victorian Government's Safer 00:08:15.139 --> 00:08:19.243 Local Roads and Streets programs, these projects are specifically 00:08:19.276 --> 00:08:23.647 focused on reducing crash risk and improving safety accounts outcomes, 00:08:23.681 --> 00:08:26.584 rather than addressing congestion, and are funded on that basis. Our 00:08:26.617 --> 00:08:30.154 next question is from Caitlin Williams, and it reads with the 00:08:30.187 --> 00:08:33.724 state government's three week closure of Hopkins Road, imminent, 00:08:33.757 --> 00:08:37.661 large volumes of diverted traffic are expected to impact Troops Road 00:08:37.695 --> 00:08:41.298 North and Leakes Road in Rockbank. What specific mitigation measures 00:08:41.332 --> 00:08:44.802 has Melton City Council implemented or formally requested to minimise 00:08:44.835 --> 00:08:50.007 congestion and ensure the safety of residents on these Council owned 00:08:50.040 --> 00:08:52.710 roads and continuity of access to rockbank residents in and out of 00:08:52.743 --> 00:08:55.346 surrounding estates, and the response from the Director of City 00:08:55.379 --> 00:08:59.016 Delivery Council is aware. The Victorian Government's temporary 00:08:59.049 --> 00:09:01.285 closure of Hopkins Road is expected to result in increased traffic 00:09:01.318 --> 00:09:05.122 volumes on surrounding roads, and notes the community's concerns 00:09:05.155 --> 00:09:08.492 about the congestion, safety and access to and from local estates 00:09:08.525 --> 00:09:11.295 during this period. Council officers have raised these concerns 00:09:11.328 --> 00:09:14.765 with the Victorian Government Project team responsible for the 00:09:14.798 --> 00:09:17.635 works, and has advised that the road closure will have impacts on 00:09:17.668 --> 00:09:20.271 local community that must be appropriately managed under the 00:09:20.304 --> 00:09:23.140 legislative framework governing this project, the Victorian 00:09:23.173 --> 00:09:27.144 Government is required to develop and implement a traffic management 00:09:27.177 --> 00:09:30.547 and guidance scheme that addresses the impacts of diverted traffic and 00:09:30.581 --> 00:09:33.150 demonstrates to Council how safety and access will be maintained. 00:09:33.183 --> 00:09:36.654 While Council does not determine the traffic management solutions 00:09:36.687 --> 00:09:39.556 for external state led projects, it will continue to liaise with the 00:09:39.590 --> 00:09:42.159 project team to ensure local impacts are identified and 00:09:42.192 --> 00:09:45.696 addressed. We have a second question from Caitlin Williams and 00:09:45.729 --> 00:09:49.033 it reads if adequate mitigation measures are not already in place 00:09:49.066 --> 00:09:52.236 for Troops Road North and Leakes Road, will Melton City Council 00:09:52.269 --> 00:09:56.273 commit to implementing urgent temporary traffic management prior 00:09:56.307 --> 00:09:58.909 to the closure? Sorry. Beg your pardon. Management prior to the 00:09:58.942 --> 00:10:02.313 Hopkins Road closure and the response from the Director of City 00:10:02.346 --> 00:10:05.549 Delivery, the Hopkins Road works are managed by the Victorian 00:10:05.582 --> 00:10:08.519 Government's Level Crossing Removal Project team and the design and 00:10:08.552 --> 00:10:12.122 implementation of detour routes and associated traffic management sit 00:10:12.156 --> 00:10:14.825 with that agency. Council's traffic and transport team has been 00:10:14.858 --> 00:10:18.162 actively liaising with the Level Crossing Removal project team, and 00:10:18.195 --> 00:10:21.699 have raised concerns about the proposed detours and the impacts on 00:10:21.732 --> 00:10:25.336 the surrounding local road network, including Leakes Road and Troops 00:10:25.369 --> 00:10:28.605 Road North. Our next question is from Ronald Druitt and it reads, is 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:33.243 it possible for the Shire to provide a double axle trailer for 00:10:33.277 --> 00:10:36.714 me? Ron Druitt's longtime resident, to pick up the Shire to pick up 00:10:36.747 --> 00:10:41.819 from the Shire to pick up rubbish along mountain roadsides and take 00:10:41.852 --> 00:10:45.522 to the tip. It needs to be shire marked so I can get in free. I will 00:10:45.556 --> 00:10:49.059 try to arrange with other retirees to assist in collecting some of 00:10:49.093 --> 00:10:52.196 this rubbish. And the response from the Director of City Delivery. 00:10:52.229 --> 00:10:55.332 Thank you for your interest in keeping our city clean. Council 00:10:55.366 --> 00:10:57.501 will not be able to provide a trailer to collect rubbish due to 00:10:57.534 --> 00:11:00.571 the complexities of risk and insurance. However, Council's waste 00:11:00.604 --> 00:11:04.241 and cleaning operations teams will be in contact to discuss other 00:11:04.274 --> 00:11:07.411 potential options for supporting your efforts. Council also 00:11:07.444 --> 00:11:12.449 encourages residents to report dump rubbish to Council for 00:11:12.483 --> 00:11:15.753 investigation and removal. Our next question is from Rahul Amandla and 00:11:15.786 --> 00:11:19.056 it reads could you please provide the total amount of developer 00:11:19.089 --> 00:11:23.060 contributions collected to date for the Rockbank area, and the total 00:11:23.093 --> 00:11:26.563 amount of those funds that have been spent on infrastructure within 00:11:26.597 --> 00:11:31.735 Rockbank, excluding Aintree, and the response from Liz Rowland, 00:11:31.769 --> 00:11:34.705 Chief Financial officer. Councils received 57.7 million in developer 00:11:34.738 --> 00:11:38.108 and community infrastructure levies from the inception of the Rockbank 00:11:38.142 --> 00:11:40.978 Precinct Structure Plan. Of these funds collected, 40 million has 00:11:41.011 --> 00:11:43.714 been spent on infrastructure in Rockbank as per the precinct 00:11:43.747 --> 00:11:46.650 structure plan. Developer and Community Infrastructure levy is 00:11:46.683 --> 00:11:50.020 collected, cannot be used to fund infrastructure elsewhere, and the 00:11:50.053 --> 00:11:54.792 funds not yet spent will contribute to future infrastructure within 00:11:54.825 --> 00:11:57.795 Rockbank. We have a second question from Rahul Mandala, and it reads 00:11:57.828 --> 00:12:00.831 given these safety concerns and the difficulty pedestrians facing 00:12:00.864 --> 00:12:04.468 crossing Leakes Road, could the Council please consider installing 00:12:04.501 --> 00:12:07.571 a pedestrian crossing with traffic signals? If this road falls under 00:12:07.604 --> 00:12:09.807 state jurisdiction? Could the Council advocate to the relevant 00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:14.111 authority on behalf of the community? And the response from 00:12:14.144 --> 00:12:16.513 the Director of City Delivery Council is progressing. The Leakes 00:12:16.547 --> 00:12:19.450 Road Westcott Parade Intersection Upgrade Project. We'll see which 00:12:19.483 --> 00:12:23.153 will see the delivery of a new roundabout and appropriate 00:12:23.187 --> 00:12:25.789 pedestrian crossing facilities designed to improve safety and 00:12:25.823 --> 00:12:30.227 accessibility. Construction of this project is planned to commence in 00:12:30.260 --> 00:12:33.163 the 2627 financial year, further south of the railway crossing on 00:12:33.197 --> 00:12:36.133 Leakes Road, Council officers are assessing additional options to 00:12:36.166 --> 00:12:39.303 improve pedestrian facilities, noting any identified projects will 00:12:39.336 --> 00:12:43.273 need to be considered as part of council's annual budget process for 00:12:43.307 --> 00:12:47.478 funding consideration. Our next question is from Ace Estevez and it 00:12:47.511 --> 00:12:51.148 reads on the back of motion 997. Can Council advise on the date 00:12:51.181 --> 00:12:54.785 whether the letter. When the letter was sent to Victorian Minister of 00:12:54.818 --> 00:12:58.288 Planning for suburb. Designation of Mount Atkinson and the response 00:12:58.322 --> 00:13:03.827 from Emily Keogh Head of Governance correspondence were sent regarding 00:13:03.861 --> 00:13:07.030 suburb designation discrepancies. On the 26th of March 2026. We have 00:13:07.064 --> 00:13:11.602 a second question from Ace Estevez that reads, as part of Council 00:13:11.635 --> 00:13:15.339 advocacy efforts to alleviate against service disadvantage for 00:13:15.372 --> 00:13:19.276 Mount Atkinson still tagged as Truganina suburb. Did Council 00:13:19.309 --> 00:13:23.814 investigate about an existing Oz post parcel locker already in place 00:13:23.847 --> 00:13:27.784 since mid-December 25 before organising a second Oz post parcel 00:13:27.818 --> 00:13:31.121 in March 26th located only one kilometre from each other. The 00:13:31.154 --> 00:13:33.557 response from Emily Keogh Head of Governance, the parcel locker, is 00:13:33.590 --> 00:13:35.692 located at the Mount Atkinson Children's and Community Centre, 00:13:35.726 --> 00:13:39.062 were approved prior to the installation of lockers at the 00:13:39.096 --> 00:13:42.733 nearby location. It was determined that there was sufficient demand to 00:13:42.766 --> 00:13:46.536 warrant both locations. Council is continuing to work with Australia 00:13:46.570 --> 00:13:49.706 Post to determine future sites for parcel lockers across our city. Our 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:53.377 next question is from Seema Sharma and it reads can Council confirm 00:13:53.410 --> 00:13:56.313 the agreed completion date outlined in the development agreement 00:13:56.346 --> 00:14:00.350 between the City of Melton and the Mount Atkinson estate developers 00:14:00.384 --> 00:14:04.221 for the Mount Atkinson East Sports Precinct? The response from Sam 00:14:04.254 --> 00:14:07.724 Romaszko director, City Futures, pursuant to the section 173 00:14:07.758 --> 00:14:11.495 agreement between Council and the developer, the agreed timeline for 00:14:11.528 --> 00:14:16.400 delivery of the developer delivered. Elements of the Mount Atkinson East 00:14:16.433 --> 00:14:19.336 Sports Precinct is 30th of June 2028. This does not include the 00:14:19.369 --> 00:14:22.539 elements of the project, which will be delivered by Council following 00:14:22.573 --> 00:14:27.311 the developer delivered works. We have a second question from Seema 00:14:27.344 --> 00:14:31.248 Sharma. It reads how has Council prepared any internal review report 00:14:31.281 --> 00:14:34.651 or lessons learned document outlining the causes of delays in 00:14:34.685 --> 00:14:38.355 achieving sod turn readiness for the Mount Atkinson East Sports 00:14:38.388 --> 00:14:42.326 precinct? If so, will this document be made publicly available and the 00:14:42.359 --> 00:14:46.330 response from the Director of City Futures? There is no review, 00:14:46.363 --> 00:14:49.533 document or report as referred to within the question. A learning 00:14:49.566 --> 00:14:53.203 implemented is. Council no longer applies for grant funding for 00:14:53.236 --> 00:14:57.007 projects that are not within its approved capital plan. Our next 00:14:57.040 --> 00:15:00.344 question is from Gaurav Sharma and it reads, could the Council advise 00:15:00.377 --> 00:15:03.480 on the total count of projects included in the Council advocacy 00:15:03.513 --> 00:15:07.351 document for the upcoming state elections, and the response from 00:15:07.384 --> 00:15:11.822 the Head of Governance Council's refreshed, refreshed advocacy focus 00:15:11.855 --> 00:15:14.725 was announced in January 2026. Advocacy priorities take a whole of 00:15:14.758 --> 00:15:18.061 city approach to seek investment in services and infrastructure, and 00:15:18.095 --> 00:15:21.565 are grouped under six themes being investment, employment and 00:15:21.598 --> 00:15:24.868 investment, attraction, transport, education and skills, health and 00:15:24.901 --> 00:15:28.705 wellbeing, environment and financial sustainability. Under 00:15:28.739 --> 00:15:30.707 each theme sits a wide range of investment needs aimed at creating 00:15:30.741 --> 00:15:35.512 opportunities, supporting liveability, attracting investment 00:15:35.545 --> 00:15:38.715 and delivering equity in access to transport. Education and services. 00:15:38.749 --> 00:15:41.885 Council will continue to advocate for the needs of our city in the 00:15:41.918 --> 00:15:45.355 lead up to the Victorian election, with a focus on more investment in 00:15:45.389 --> 00:15:47.858 roads and public transport. We have a second question from Gaurav 00:15:47.891 --> 00:15:51.395 Sharma and it reads could the Council advise on the total count 00:15:51.428 --> 00:15:54.631 of projects directly benefiting residents at Mount Atkinson 00:15:54.665 --> 00:15:57.401 community included in the Council advocacy document for the upcoming 00:15:57.434 --> 00:16:00.137 state elections and the response from the Head of Governance 00:16:00.170 --> 00:16:02.606 Council's advocacy priorities take a whole of city approach to seek 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:06.576 investment in services and infrastructure that aim to benefit 00:16:06.610 --> 00:16:09.479 all of City of Melton residents, with investment in roads and public 00:16:09.513 --> 00:16:13.116 transport, are focused for the upcoming state election. Advocacy 00:16:13.150 --> 00:16:16.486 projects relevant to Mount Atkinson include the Western Highway upgrade, 00:16:16.520 --> 00:16:19.656 duplication of Hopkins Road, the electrification on the mountain 00:16:19.690 --> 00:16:25.028 line, including a new station at Mount Atkinson. Thank you. Our next 00:16:25.062 --> 00:16:28.198 question is from Siu Tung, and it reads on the back of motion 997. 00:16:28.231 --> 00:16:31.768 Can the Council please advise? On the date when the letter was sent 00:16:31.802 --> 00:16:35.739 to the Victorian Minister of Health regarding Health and Disability 00:16:35.772 --> 00:16:38.208 Services misalignment due to the missing suburb designation for 00:16:38.241 --> 00:16:42.946 Mount Atkinson and the response from the Head of Governance, the 00:16:42.979 --> 00:16:45.816 letter was sent on the 26th of March 2026. We have a second 00:16:45.849 --> 00:16:48.218 question from Swee Tongue and it reads Could the Council please 00:16:48.251 --> 00:16:51.021 advise if a response has been received from the Victorian 00:16:51.054 --> 00:16:53.423 Minister of Health for Mount Atkinson services misalignment and 00:16:53.457 --> 00:16:57.127 the response from the Head of Governance, a response from the 00:16:57.160 --> 00:17:00.664 Minister for health has not yet been received. Our next question is 00:17:00.697 --> 00:17:04.634 from Lilima Joshi and it reads. Could the Council advise on the 00:17:04.668 --> 00:17:09.639 reasons for delay in commencement of the upgrades for the middle road 00:17:09.673 --> 00:17:15.178 Truganina, which was included in the Melton City Council budget in 00:17:15.212 --> 00:17:18.949 2020 526 and has now been included again in 2020 627. The response 00:17:18.982 --> 00:17:22.319 from the Director of City Delivery, the Middle Road project, has not 00:17:22.352 --> 00:17:26.623 been delayed and is progressing as planned, noting the project was 00:17:26.656 --> 00:17:30.193 including both the 25, 26 and 2627 budgets. Because it's being 00:17:30.227 --> 00:17:33.330 delivered across multiple stages rather than as a single year 00:17:33.363 --> 00:17:37.067 construction activity. Projects of this nature require a range of 00:17:37.100 --> 00:17:39.803 external approvals and technical work before construction can 00:17:39.836 --> 00:17:43.740 commence. This includes processes such as cultural heritage 00:17:43.774 --> 00:17:47.244 management plan, drainage design and approvals, and other statutory 00:17:47.277 --> 00:17:51.414 and service authority requirements. Funding is therefore allocated 00:17:51.448 --> 00:17:54.818 across different financial years to support planning, design, approvals 00:17:54.851 --> 00:17:57.420 and construction phases as the project progresses. Construction 00:17:57.454 --> 00:18:01.825 for the middle road upgrade is currently planned to commence in 00:18:01.858 --> 00:18:05.495 the 2627 financial year, consistent with the adopted budget and project 00:18:05.529 --> 00:18:09.733 program. We have a second question from Lilima Joshi and it reads 00:18:09.766 --> 00:18:13.904 Could the Council advise what measures are being undertaken to 00:18:13.937 --> 00:18:18.441 expedite the delivery of upgrade for the middle road in Truganina, 00:18:18.475 --> 00:18:21.645 which is the key detour for a strained Hopkins Hopkins Road and 00:18:21.678 --> 00:18:23.780 the response from the Director of City Delivery to support timely 00:18:23.814 --> 00:18:29.186 delivery. Council officers are actively progressing the required 00:18:29.219 --> 00:18:32.022 planning, design and approval processes needed ahead of 00:18:32.055 --> 00:18:34.825 construction. This includes advancing statutory approvals, 00:18:34.858 --> 00:18:37.727 coordinating technical investigations such as drainage 00:18:37.761 --> 00:18:41.631 design and working with relevant external agencies to address 00:18:41.665 --> 00:18:44.301 approval requirements as efficiently as possible. These 00:18:44.334 --> 00:18:48.238 activities are being undertaken in parallel, where practicable, to 00:18:48.271 --> 00:18:50.674 ensure the project is construction ready within the planned timeframe, 00:18:50.707 --> 00:18:54.611 while Council must follow established legislative and 00:18:54.644 --> 00:18:59.082 approval processes. This approach helps minimise delays and supports 00:18:59.115 --> 00:19:02.252 commencement of construction in the 2627 financial year as programmed. 00:19:02.285 --> 00:19:06.523 Our next question is from Ricky Christian and it reads could the 00:19:06.556 --> 00:19:10.260 Council advise if the matter of suburb designation discrepancies 00:19:10.293 --> 00:19:13.263 for Mount Atkinson was covered during the mayor's meeting with the 00:19:13.296 --> 00:19:17.133 Victorian and Federal MPs and the response from the Head of 00:19:17.167 --> 00:19:20.670 Governance? No. These meetings are intended to discuss city wide 00:19:20.704 --> 00:19:23.807 topics in accordance with Council's adopted advocacy priorities. This 00:19:23.840 --> 00:19:27.244 matter was the subject of direct correspondence to the relevant 00:19:27.277 --> 00:19:30.080 ministers, as required by the Notice of Motion. We have a second 00:19:30.113 --> 00:19:33.216 question from Ricky Christian and it reads Could the Council advise 00:19:33.250 --> 00:19:37.220 the sequence of advocacy prioritisation for duplication of 00:19:37.254 --> 00:19:40.223 Taylor Road, Grand Boulevard and Caroline Springs Boulevard, and the 00:19:40.257 --> 00:19:43.727 response from Head of Governance Council takes any opportunity to 00:19:43.760 --> 00:19:46.463 advocate on road projects required for our city. Parts of Caroline 00:19:46.496 --> 00:19:49.699 Springs Boulevard have been duplicated and Taylors Road is 00:19:49.733 --> 00:19:52.702 included in council's endorsed advocacy priorities. Grand 00:19:52.736 --> 00:19:56.539 Boulevard is still in development stages, with substantial work still 00:19:56.573 --> 00:20:00.210 to occur. Our next question is from David O'Connor, and it reads 00:20:00.243 --> 00:20:03.747 despite all the promises associated with the municipal status change 00:20:03.780 --> 00:20:07.384 from shire to city, would Council please summarise the realised 00:20:07.417 --> 00:20:11.121 outcomes of the change, including the need to seek access to the 00:20:11.154 --> 00:20:13.857 growth areas? Infrastructure contribution funds 14 years on and 00:20:13.890 --> 00:20:16.960 the response from the Head of Governance, we are not aware of the 00:20:16.993 --> 00:20:20.697 promises made at the time that Melton became a city, but welcomed 00:20:20.730 --> 00:20:24.034 the submitter to provide specific examples that we can follow up the 00:20:24.067 --> 00:20:28.305 growth areas. Infrastructure contribution, known as Gache, is a 00:20:28.338 --> 00:20:31.474 state government levy imposed on growth areas. Gache existed when 00:20:31.508 --> 00:20:34.344 Melton was a shire as well as a city. We have a second question 00:20:34.377 --> 00:20:37.547 from David O'Connor and it reads. Would Council consider the 00:20:37.580 --> 00:20:41.584 introduction of a library kiosk for Diggers Rest, similar to those 00:20:41.618 --> 00:20:45.188 which are currently provided to residents within the city of Hume 00:20:45.221 --> 00:20:48.425 through Hume City Council? And the response from Troy Scoble, the 00:20:48.458 --> 00:20:51.594 Director of City Life. Thank you, I currently Diggers Rest is served by 00:20:51.628 --> 00:20:54.931 a library access point located in the Diggers Rest Family Services 00:20:54.965 --> 00:20:58.168 Centre, which is corner of Houdini Drive and Plumpton Road. Council 00:20:58.201 --> 00:21:01.071 has plans to extend library service delivery in the new Diggers Rest 00:21:01.104 --> 00:21:04.607 Children's and community Centre with a library lounge, the first in 00:21:04.641 --> 00:21:08.578 the city. This is a space to work, study and browse a select range of 00:21:08.611 --> 00:21:12.248 library items and a self-checkout station for borrowings and returns. 00:21:12.282 --> 00:21:16.519 Council is also launching a mobile library van in June, which will 00:21:16.553 --> 00:21:21.257 provide further access to library collection. Our next question is 00:21:21.291 --> 00:21:24.694 from Pretender Bajwa and it reads could the Council advise if a 00:21:24.728 --> 00:21:28.098 planning permit request has been submitted for the Mount Atkinson 00:21:28.131 --> 00:21:31.668 major town centre and the response from the Director of City Futures? 00:21:31.701 --> 00:21:35.238 A planning permit application has not been lodged for the Mount 00:21:35.271 --> 00:21:38.441 Atkinson town centre. A second question from pretender Bajwa and 00:21:38.475 --> 00:21:42.112 it reads Could the Council advise on the next steps for engaging with 00:21:42.145 --> 00:21:44.547 Victorian MPs? On the back of the letter sent to the Victorian 00:21:44.581 --> 00:21:48.184 Minister for planning regarding suburb designation discrepancies 00:21:48.218 --> 00:21:51.921 for Mount Atkinson and the response from the Head of Governance Council 00:21:51.955 --> 00:21:55.425 is awaiting a response to all correspondence sent on the 26th of 00:21:55.458 --> 00:21:59.162 March 2026 to determine any next steps. Our next question is from 00:21:59.195 --> 00:22:02.899 Santosh Mohan and it reads Could the Council advise on the count of 00:22:02.932 --> 00:22:05.268 responses received from Victorian ministers or MPs on the back of the 00:22:05.301 --> 00:22:08.738 letter sent to the Victorian Minister for planning regarding 00:22:08.772 --> 00:22:12.042 suburb designation discrepancies for Mount Atkinson and the response 00:22:12.075 --> 00:22:15.612 from the Head of Governance. One response was received last week 00:22:15.645 --> 00:22:19.416 from Senator Katy Gallagher. A copy of this response will be tabled in 00:22:19.449 --> 00:22:22.452 the agenda for next month's Council meeting. We have a second question 00:22:22.485 --> 00:22:25.722 from Santosh Mohan and it reads could the Council advise on the 00:22:25.755 --> 00:22:28.792 last interaction between Council and the developers of the Mount 00:22:28.825 --> 00:22:32.362 Atkinson major town centre, and the response from the Director of City 00:22:32.395 --> 00:22:36.399 Futures? The last interaction with the developer of the Mount Atkinson 00:22:36.433 --> 00:22:40.103 major town centre was in February of 2026. Council is awaiting a 00:22:40.136 --> 00:22:43.673 formal planning permit application to facilitate stage one of the town 00:22:43.706 --> 00:22:46.776 centre. Our next question is from Paul Anka and it reads could the 00:22:46.810 --> 00:22:52.549 Council advise if a planning permit has been issued for a proposed 00:22:52.582 --> 00:22:55.151 mobile tower at two Round Top Road, Truganina? The response from the 00:22:55.185 --> 00:22:59.456 Director of City Futures, a planning permit application, has 00:22:59.489 --> 00:23:03.126 not been lodged for a mobile tower at two Round Top Road in Truganina. 00:23:03.159 --> 00:23:06.629 Our second question from Paul and Carol Reed's could the Council 00:23:06.663 --> 00:23:10.100 advise on its last interaction for the proposed mobile tower at two 00:23:10.133 --> 00:23:15.105 Round Top Road, Truganina, and the response from the Director of City 00:23:15.138 --> 00:23:19.309 Futures? A planning pre-application discussion occurred in July of 2025 00:23:19.342 --> 00:23:22.812 for a proposed mobile tower at two Round Top Road in Truganina. 00:23:22.846 --> 00:23:28.017 Further meetings to discuss the proposal were held at the end of 00:23:28.051 --> 00:23:31.488 2025 and again in February 2026. No further discussions have occurred. 00:23:31.521 --> 00:23:34.791 The next question is from Cara and it reads could the Council advise 00:23:34.824 --> 00:23:38.728 on the number of contributions received during the Mountain 00:23:38.761 --> 00:23:42.565 Council 2020 627 budget consultation phase from Mount 00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:46.236 Atkinson and other communities in the current day? Truganina and the 00:23:46.269 --> 00:23:49.205 response from the Head of Governance Council received 47 00:23:49.239 --> 00:23:53.409 Council plan and budget ideas from community members living in the 00:23:53.443 --> 00:23:56.045 suburbs of Deneside and Truganina or the Mount Atkinson estate. This 00:23:56.079 --> 00:24:03.586 includes multiple contributions which may have been for the same 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:06.156 idea or topic. We have a second question from. Sorry, madam. Sorry, 00:24:06.189 --> 00:24:15.498 councillors. We require a procedural motion to extend public 00:24:15.532 --> 00:24:18.635 Question Time pursuant to 62 of our Council meeting policies. Could I 00:24:18.668 --> 00:24:21.638 move that we extend the meeting by a further 20 minutes to hear the 00:24:21.671 --> 00:24:26.609 rest of the public questions? Thank you. Councillor Ramsey do I have a 00:24:26.643 --> 00:24:32.348 seconder? Councillor Abboushi happy to second that. Councillor Zada. 00:24:32.382 --> 00:24:36.686 Thank you, thank you, Councillor Abboushi all those in favour? 00:24:36.719 --> 00:24:41.057 Carried unanimously. Thank you, thank you, Deputy Mayor. Second 00:24:41.090 --> 00:24:45.328 question from reads. Could the Council advise on the number of 00:24:45.361 --> 00:24:48.731 contributions shared during the Mountain Council 2020 627 budget 00:24:48.765 --> 00:24:51.501 consultation phase by residents of Mount Atkinson and other 00:24:51.534 --> 00:24:55.405 communities in the current day Truganina that have been included 00:24:55.438 --> 00:24:58.675 in the Draft Mountain Council 2020 627 budget and the response from 00:24:58.708 --> 00:25:01.311 the Head of Governance of the 47 Council plan and budget ideas 00:25:01.344 --> 00:25:06.249 received from community members living in the suburbs of Deneside 00:25:06.282 --> 00:25:09.819 and Truganina or the Mount Atkinson Estate. 2828 ideas are proceeding 00:25:09.852 --> 00:25:13.790 or partially proceeding and have funding as part of the proposed 00:25:13.823 --> 00:25:17.427 2627 budget, Council will undertake advocacy work to State or Federal 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:21.431 Government on a further seven ideas which sit outside councils direct 00:25:21.464 --> 00:25:26.135 service delivery responsibilities and 12 ideas are not proceeding as 00:25:26.169 --> 00:25:30.340 part of the Council plan and budget process for 26 and 27. Our next 00:25:30.373 --> 00:25:35.311 question is from Jaksa Shah and it reads what percentage of Council 00:25:35.345 --> 00:25:39.048 budget was allocated to by Council to support in making Mount Atkinson 00:25:39.082 --> 00:25:43.019 welcoming, safe and sustainable city through three core themes a 00:25:43.052 --> 00:25:48.825 healthy and inclusive community, a thriving and well-designed city. As 00:25:48.858 --> 00:25:52.295 per the Council strategy in year 2024, 25 and 26. Please be specific 00:25:52.328 --> 00:25:55.365 with numbers and the response from Liz Rowland, Chief Financial 00:25:55.398 --> 00:25:58.434 Officer, Council services and capital infrastructure investment 00:25:58.468 --> 00:26:02.071 is determined by assessing needs and asset conditions across the 00:26:02.105 --> 00:26:06.676 entire city. As such, the breakdown of total budget is by individual 00:26:06.709 --> 00:26:10.713 areas is not captured. A second question from Jackson Shah, which 00:26:10.747 --> 00:26:14.550 reads question to the mayor does Council have a dedicated plan to 00:26:14.584 --> 00:26:18.788 support the infrastructure growth of Mount Atkinson and neighbouring 00:26:18.821 --> 00:26:22.325 estates, based on its own strategy to ensure the community is 00:26:22.358 --> 00:26:25.361 inclusive and thriving? Please be specific in your responses and on 00:26:25.395 --> 00:26:29.098 behalf of the mayor. The Director of City Futures will provide a 00:26:29.132 --> 00:26:32.302 response. The Mount Atkinson Precinct structure Plan and 00:26:32.335 --> 00:26:35.238 Associated Infrastructure Contributions Plan provides the 00:26:35.271 --> 00:26:38.441 appropriate framework to ensure local level infrastructure is 00:26:38.474 --> 00:26:41.411 planned for and delivered as development and subdivision 00:26:41.444 --> 00:26:43.913 continues. The Infrastructure Contributions Plan identifies all 00:26:43.946 --> 00:26:48.484 the relevant local level infrastructure needed to support 00:26:48.518 --> 00:26:51.654 the growth of the Mount Atkinson area. Our next question is from 00:26:51.688 --> 00:26:55.191 Wayne Williams and it reads. Would Council consider temporary traffic 00:26:55.224 --> 00:26:59.362 lights at Lightsview and leaks intersection in Rockbank until 00:26:59.395 --> 00:27:02.265 either permanent lights are installed? The new Rockbank road is 00:27:02.298 --> 00:27:06.569 delivered, or at least for the duration of Hopkins closure, to 00:27:06.602 --> 00:27:09.105 allow Rockbank ratepayers to exit safely. And the response from the 00:27:09.138 --> 00:27:12.375 Director of City Delivery, the Lights View Boulevard and Leakes 00:27:12.408 --> 00:27:15.578 Road intersection is planned to ultimately operate as a roundabout, 00:27:15.611 --> 00:27:19.115 reflecting its function as a local road intersection rather than a 00:27:19.148 --> 00:27:21.651 signalised arterial junction. Temporary traffic lights at this 00:27:21.684 --> 00:27:25.088 location are therefore not supported based on current traffic 00:27:25.121 --> 00:27:27.457 volumes and the longer term. Network Design Council is 00:27:27.490 --> 00:27:32.161 advocating to the Victorian Government to progress Rockbank 00:27:32.195 --> 00:27:37.200 road, including associated rail and interchange upgrades, as a key, 00:27:37.233 --> 00:27:41.170 longer term solution. We have a second question from Wayne Williams 00:27:41.204 --> 00:27:47.276 reads to help ratepayers understand what actions are being taken. Would 00:27:47.310 --> 00:27:51.547 Council please describe the types of invoices paid using 68 K for 00:27:51.581 --> 00:27:56.519 pre-planning in the 2020 526 budget? When the master plan is already 00:27:56.552 --> 00:28:00.490 completed and separately, the money proposed for 2627 budget for 00:28:00.523 --> 00:28:03.726 Rockbank e-Sports reserve, or is Council using infrastructure 00:28:03.760 --> 00:28:07.063 funding to pay for internal operational salaries and the 00:28:07.096 --> 00:28:10.600 response from the Director of City Delivery. All projects include 00:28:10.633 --> 00:28:13.803 labor costs for the life of a project. As part of the project 00:28:13.836 --> 00:28:17.240 development funding is required for early planning activities for the 00:28:17.273 --> 00:28:20.343 project, such as design consultant site condition investigations and 00:28:20.376 --> 00:28:23.613 other approvals. Over the next 12 months, expenditure is expected to 00:28:23.646 --> 00:28:28.551 focus primarily on design, development and obtaining the 00:28:28.584 --> 00:28:32.221 necessary planning and statutory approvals. Deputy Mayor Zada, that 00:28:32.255 --> 00:28:35.191 concludes public questions for this evening. Thank you Ms Wai 00:28:35.224 --> 00:28:38.194 councillors, I have been informed we do have a technical issue which 00:28:38.227 --> 00:28:42.023 will require us to adjourn the meeting for two minutes while we get that resolved 00:28:45.556 --> 00:28:49.994 Thank you councillors, I would like to resume the meeting. Okay. Okay. 00:28:50.027 --> 00:28:55.600 So item number 12. So we will now consider the presentation of staff 00:28:55.633 --> 00:29:02.180 reports as listed on the agenda in order commencing with item 12.1 00:29:02.205 --> 00:29:07.616 Melton City Council Draft Budget 2026 to 2027. This report will be 00:29:07.676 --> 00:29:11.580 presented by Liz Rowland, Chief Financial Officer. Through you, 00:29:11.613 --> 00:29:17.491 Deputy Mayor before Council is a recommendation to endorse for the 00:29:17.516 --> 00:29:20.416 purposes of community feedback. For two weeks, the proposed annual 00:29:20.441 --> 00:29:25.758 budget for 26 2026-27, which has been prepared in accordance with 00:29:25.791 --> 00:29:29.094 section 94 of the Local Government Act 2020 and is detailed in 00:29:29.128 --> 00:29:33.766 appendix one. This budget is to deliver the second year of 00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:36.535 Council's 2025 to 2029 Council and Wellbeing Plan rates and charges 00:29:36.568 --> 00:29:41.273 have been prepared in accordance with Council's Revenue and Rating 00:29:41.306 --> 00:29:43.709 Plan for 25, 26 to 2930 that determines the most affordable and 00:29:43.742 --> 00:29:47.390 appropriate rating and revenue approach to adequately finance 00:29:47.443 --> 00:29:51.083 objectives in the Council and Wellbeing Plan. The draft 2020 2020 00:29:51.184 --> 00:29:54.620 627 budget was prepared with significant consultation with the 00:29:54.654 --> 00:29:58.891 community, councillors and officers. There was a high level of community 00:29:58.925 --> 00:30:02.828 engagement with 214 individual community submissions, 139 of these 00:30:02.862 --> 00:30:07.099 being unique ideas. 64 of these ideas are proposed to be fully or 00:30:07.133 --> 00:30:09.969 partially funded in the 2627 budget, and a further 21 of these ideas are 00:30:10.002 --> 00:30:14.207 outside Council's responsibility and have been identified for 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:17.210 advocacy opportunities. The draft 2627 budget outlines the key 00:30:17.243 --> 00:30:21.581 services and major projects we plan to invest in to support our growing 00:30:21.614 --> 00:30:25.785 and diverse community. We are investing 275.1 million in the 00:30:25.818 --> 00:30:28.988 ongoing services to the community, and an increased capital budget of 00:30:29.021 --> 00:30:33.826 255.2 million for new and upgraded infrastructure in the city. 00:30:33.859 --> 00:30:39.098 Significant developer contributions will continue, with a further $257 00:30:39.131 --> 00:30:42.768 million budgeted to be received in 2627 for future capital works and 00:30:42.802 --> 00:30:45.605 12.2 million in capital grants. We know at times our community 00:30:45.638 --> 00:30:48.074 misunderstands this money in our overall financial result, these 00:30:48.107 --> 00:30:51.777 developer funds and capital grants can only be used for future capital 00:30:51.811 --> 00:30:54.914 infrastructure projects within the respective development areas like 00:30:54.947 --> 00:30:58.851 children and community centres, ovals and parks, open spaces and 00:30:58.884 --> 00:31:01.787 roads. While these contributions are collected to deliver community 00:31:01.821 --> 00:31:05.024 infrastructure, there is often a significant shortfall in funds 00:31:05.057 --> 00:31:08.194 requiring Council to fund the gap following the community feedback 00:31:08.227 --> 00:31:13.699 period, the final annual budget will be tabled for council's 00:31:13.733 --> 00:31:19.705 consideration and adoption of the 22nd of June 2026 Council meeting. 00:31:19.739 --> 00:31:25.111 Thank you. Does any Councillor require clarification? Councillor 00:31:25.144 --> 00:31:31.917 Ramsey I'm going to be a little bit mischievous here, so I'll say that 00:31:31.951 --> 00:31:41.761 at the outset. Has any Council been successful in challenging the 00:31:41.794 --> 00:31:46.465 purple bin to date? Thank you. Through you chair. I'm unaware of 00:31:46.499 --> 00:31:51.971 any councillors. Sorry. Any councils have actually not 00:31:52.004 --> 00:31:55.508 proceeded, noting that the mandated date is the 1st of July 2027, so we 00:31:55.541 --> 00:32:01.080 really won't know whether councils will not be implementing that 00:32:01.113 --> 00:32:04.517 mandatory requirement until after that date. Thank you, thank you, 00:32:04.550 --> 00:32:08.521 thank you. Any other questions? Councillor Zada, just for the 00:32:08.554 --> 00:32:16.295 record, we're struggling to hear on this end any anyone on the other 00:32:16.329 --> 00:32:26.972 side? I'm not sure what just I was being cheeky. Councillor Abboushi 00:32:27.006 --> 00:32:33.913 no need to hear me. Thank you. Do I have any other Councillor requiring 00:32:33.946 --> 00:32:38.617 clarification? No. That's it. Okay. Do we have a. We have a 00:32:38.651 --> 00:32:46.158 recommendation in the report. Do I have a Councillor to move a motion? 00:32:46.192 --> 00:32:50.563 Councillor Abboushi. Do I have a seconder for the motion? Sorry. 00:32:50.596 --> 00:32:55.534 Councillor Zada I just I'll read the recommendation. Thank you. That 00:32:55.568 --> 00:33:00.940 Council, in accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Act 2021, 00:33:00.973 --> 00:33:04.543 notes the proposed annual budget 2020 627, including planned, 00:33:04.577 --> 00:33:08.047 recurrent and capital works budget and proposed schedule of fees and 00:33:08.080 --> 00:33:14.687 charges at appendix one and two, endorses the community feedback for 00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:18.157 a period of two weeks from the 28th of April 2026 to 12th of May 2026. 00:33:18.190 --> 00:33:24.230 The proposed annual budget 2020 627. Prior to Council considering 00:33:24.263 --> 00:33:29.068 adoption of the final proposed Council Annual Budget 2026 2027 as 00:33:29.101 --> 00:33:33.205 its scheduled at its scheduled meeting on the 22nd of June 2026. 00:33:33.239 --> 00:33:38.344 That's a lot of 2026. Thank you Councillor Zada. Thank you 00:33:38.377 --> 00:33:41.313 Councillor Abboushi do I have a seconder? Councillor Shannon very 00:33:41.347 --> 00:33:44.583 happy to second that, Mr. Deputy. Thank you. Councillor Shannon just 00:33:44.617 --> 00:33:50.823 to be clear, is there any Councillor planning on speaking 00:33:50.856 --> 00:33:54.026 against the motion? Councillor Abboushi as the mover of the motion, 00:33:54.059 --> 00:33:57.863 would you like to speak to the motion at this time? Yes. Thank you 00:33:57.897 --> 00:34:01.267 very much, Councillor Zada, for the opportunity to speak. We're 00:34:01.300 --> 00:34:05.805 presented with a draft budget, which we're seeking to place on the 00:34:05.838 --> 00:34:10.109 public exhibition as we do every year. It's a very exciting time 00:34:10.142 --> 00:34:14.046 because this is the time where our community provides their feedback, 00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:17.283 and a lot of work goes has gone in the background to get to this point. 00:34:17.316 --> 00:34:21.153 The budget is a strong reflection of our community's vision and 00:34:21.187 --> 00:34:25.591 priorities. It's been carefully developed in line with our Council 00:34:25.624 --> 00:34:29.829 wellbeing plan and our long term financial strategy, ensuring we 00:34:29.862 --> 00:34:33.532 continue to plan responsibly for both current and future generations. 00:34:33.566 --> 00:34:38.904 One of the most significant highlights is that it's the largest 00:34:38.938 --> 00:34:41.807 capital works program in council's history, with an investment of 00:34:41.841 --> 00:34:44.677 255.2 million into vital infrastructure across our city. 00:34:44.710 --> 00:34:48.647 This is about keeping pace with growth and delivering the 00:34:48.681 --> 00:34:53.953 facilities our community needs and deserves. Importantly, this budget 00:34:53.986 --> 00:34:57.656 has been shaped by our community. We received 214 submissions from 00:34:57.690 --> 00:35:02.261 residents, community groups and sporting clubs. The submissions 00:35:02.294 --> 00:35:06.232 covered everything from parks, park upgrades, community facilities to 00:35:06.265 --> 00:35:10.903 recreation infrastructure and local events. I want to sincerely thank 00:35:10.936 --> 00:35:14.907 everyone who took, took part in and contributing to this process. Your 00:35:14.940 --> 00:35:18.978 input genuinely helps shape the future of our city. I want to 00:35:19.011 --> 00:35:22.381 acknowledge the 24 community members who presented in person and 00:35:22.414 --> 00:35:28.787 those who provided video submissions. The level of 00:35:28.821 --> 00:35:31.624 engagement is something we should all be very proud of. Councillor 00:35:31.657 --> 00:35:34.994 Zada from a cost of living perspective, because we know that 00:35:35.027 --> 00:35:40.332 this is really important. We know households are doing it tough, and 00:35:40.366 --> 00:35:44.770 this budget maintains a 2.75% rate increase in line with the state 00:35:44.803 --> 00:35:48.707 government cap. For most households, that equates to around a dollar per 00:35:48.741 --> 00:35:52.745 week, with more than half of ratepayers paying less than that 00:35:52.778 --> 00:35:55.614 increase. At the same time, we are continuing to invest in essential 00:35:55.648 --> 00:36:00.653 services. The net cost of delivering services to our 00:36:00.686 --> 00:36:05.991 community is 277.2 million, ensuring we maintain the high 00:36:06.025 --> 00:36:10.296 standard of services our residents rely on every day. There are also 00:36:10.329 --> 00:36:17.169 important environmental reforms included with the roll out of the 00:36:17.202 --> 00:36:20.573 Fogo service and the very popular for bin recycling system, helping 00:36:20.606 --> 00:36:26.545 reduce landfill and move towards a more sustainable future. Lots of 00:36:26.579 --> 00:36:28.981 coughing in this chamber today. Councillor Zada. I'm not sure why. 00:36:29.014 --> 00:36:31.750 Councillor Zada in terms of key infrastructure, highlights 00:36:31.784 --> 00:36:36.121 significant investment in recreation and leisure, including 00:36:36.155 --> 00:36:40.593 the new aquatic and leisure centre in Fraser Rise, funding roads, 00:36:40.626 --> 00:36:44.530 parks and open spaces and continued delivery of community facilities, 00:36:44.563 --> 00:36:48.567 footpaths and cycleways. And it's also important to clarify that 00:36:48.601 --> 00:36:52.504 while the budget shows a strong surplus, most of it is tied to 00:36:52.538 --> 00:36:58.444 developer contributions and grants, which are largely required to be 00:36:58.477 --> 00:37:00.846 spent on future infrastructure. There is a myth in local government 00:37:00.879 --> 00:37:04.316 Councillor Zada that developer contributions can be spent willy 00:37:04.350 --> 00:37:08.954 nilly, but unfortunately, those that are in the know will know the 00:37:08.988 --> 00:37:11.557 rules around the use of developer contributions. I want to take a 00:37:11.590 --> 00:37:15.094 moment to acknowledge the tremendous work of our Council 00:37:15.127 --> 00:37:19.865 officers preparing a budget of this scale while balancing growth, 00:37:19.898 --> 00:37:24.603 community expectations and financial sustainability is no 00:37:24.637 --> 00:37:28.307 small task. Your work behind the scenes does not go unnoticed to my 00:37:28.340 --> 00:37:31.677 fellow councillors. Well done. To get it to this point on exhibition, 00:37:31.710 --> 00:37:38.150 you've all put in a tremendous amount of hours and I'm very 00:37:38.183 --> 00:37:40.719 thankful to be doing this work with you. Thanks very much. Thank you. 00:37:40.753 --> 00:37:45.090 Councillor Abboushi Councillor Shannon. As the seconder of the 00:37:45.124 --> 00:37:49.995 motion, would you like to speak? Thank you, Mr. Deputy. Just a 00:37:50.029 --> 00:37:53.966 couple of words. Much work has gone into the this draft budget. It's 00:37:53.999 --> 00:37:58.737 been a big process and it was good to see many more community 00:37:58.771 --> 00:38:04.043 submissions this year than we've seen in previous years. A huge 00:38:04.076 --> 00:38:07.813 thank you to everyone that's worked on this. We've got a huge budget to 00:38:07.846 --> 00:38:11.283 fill, a lot of money to spend, and it's only going to improve and grow 00:38:11.316 --> 00:38:14.353 our great city. So thank you to councillors and thank you to the 00:38:14.386 --> 00:38:17.222 staff and thank you to the community that it's all worked on 00:38:17.256 --> 00:38:21.393 this. Thank you. You're here. Thank you. Councillor Shannon, would any 00:38:21.427 --> 00:38:26.465 other Councillor like to speak on the motion? Councillor Morris thank 00:38:26.498 --> 00:38:31.904 you, Deputy Mayor. Can is that working? Yep, yep. I'd like to 00:38:31.937 --> 00:38:35.741 acknowledge the City of Melton draft budget for 2026 2027 coming 00:38:35.774 --> 00:38:39.244 before us tonight. This is a significant piece of work that 00:38:39.278 --> 00:38:45.050 reflects both the scale and complexity of the communities that 00:38:45.084 --> 00:38:51.924 we serve. The City of Melton is one of the fastest growing cities in 00:38:51.957 --> 00:38:57.863 Victoria, now home to over 200,000 residents and expanding over a 00:38:57.896 --> 00:39:04.236 current total of 31 suburbs. Within this, it's important to highlight 00:39:04.269 --> 00:39:09.108 the continued focus on key growth areas experiencing rapid change and 00:39:09.141 --> 00:39:13.946 this requires thoughtful, forward planning and investment. Developing 00:39:13.979 --> 00:39:18.617 a budget to this scale is no simple task. There's many steps involved 00:39:18.650 --> 00:39:24.056 bringing these projects to life, from the initial planning to 00:39:24.089 --> 00:39:27.593 detailed reporting, benchmarking, recruitment, labor costs, design, 00:39:27.626 --> 00:39:32.965 securing the materials and aligning works alongside the state 00:39:32.998 --> 00:39:37.970 government projects and priorities. It requires careful consideration 00:39:38.003 --> 00:39:43.509 and balance at every stage. I'm proud of the work of this entire 00:39:43.542 --> 00:39:46.678 Council and our community's input that has gone into this process. 00:39:46.712 --> 00:39:51.116 Councillors have engaged in multiple briefings and meetings 00:39:51.150 --> 00:39:56.789 over the last six months to ensure that this draft budget reflects 00:39:56.822 --> 00:40:00.759 both community needs and is responsible in its governance. 00:40:00.793 --> 00:40:04.696 Tonight, we are in a position to move forward and endorse this 00:40:04.730 --> 00:40:08.967 budget, continuing our commitment to delivering for our growing 00:40:09.001 --> 00:40:13.205 community. Thank you, thank you. Councillor Morris Councillor Turner. 00:40:13.238 --> 00:40:16.909 Thank you, Mr. Deputy. I'd just like to acknowledge the amount of 00:40:16.942 --> 00:40:22.214 work that's gone into this since last November from our Council 00:40:22.247 --> 00:40:27.686 staff, our officers and also our councillors and of course, the 00:40:27.719 --> 00:40:31.190 input from our community. It's come to a great fruition, I believe, and 00:40:31.223 --> 00:40:35.961 I'm just looking forward to the community input now for the next 00:40:35.994 --> 00:40:41.934 couple of weeks to see how the community feels about it. This 00:40:41.967 --> 00:40:46.805 budget doesn't just only look after the new areas that are expanding, 00:40:46.839 --> 00:40:52.611 which is important, but it actually serves as a whole of the community, 00:40:52.644 --> 00:40:57.883 and that's important. And as a Council, we support each other on 00:40:57.916 --> 00:41:02.221 that. And I thank everybody that's had an input into this and for 00:41:02.254 --> 00:41:07.993 supporting all the important bits. Sometimes the the bits in the new 00:41:08.026 --> 00:41:11.697 areas do have to be done because they release the more developed 00:41:11.730 --> 00:41:15.167 areas as well. So I'd just like to thank everybody for their input in 00:41:15.200 --> 00:41:18.237 this and all the work that's been done over the last six months. 00:41:18.270 --> 00:41:24.943 Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Councillor Turner Councillor 00:41:24.977 --> 00:41:28.680 Vandenberg. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Congratulations, councillors, on 00:41:28.714 --> 00:41:32.584 getting this budget up to exhibition. But what I would like 00:41:32.618 --> 00:41:36.021 to say is it is out for exhibition for our residents to view and have 00:41:36.054 --> 00:41:39.258 their last input. And it's very vital that they take that 00:41:39.291 --> 00:41:42.895 opportunity because their voice is what matters. And we are here to 00:41:42.928 --> 00:41:46.865 advocate for them. And for my residents of Jack Woodward, I 00:41:46.899 --> 00:41:49.935 encourage you to speak up. And as you said, Councillor Turner, 00:41:49.968 --> 00:41:53.605 investment does need to be made in in the growth suburbs within the 00:41:53.639 --> 00:41:56.942 Jack Woodward and Mount Atkinson ward, because those are the areas 00:41:56.975 --> 00:42:02.414 that are lapsing and it takes the burden. Once those areas are 00:42:02.447 --> 00:42:06.985 developed, it will take the burden off the either side of Caroline 00:42:07.019 --> 00:42:12.824 Springs and Greater Melton, and in particular, Taylor Taylors Road is 00:42:12.858 --> 00:42:17.896 is very, very important to have that infrastructure completed and 00:42:17.930 --> 00:42:22.334 on time. So I really do encourage residents to to speak up and have 00:42:22.367 --> 00:42:28.206 their say, this is your time. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor 00:42:28.240 --> 00:42:40.152 Vandenberg Councillor Ramsey. There's a couple of key numbers 00:42:40.185 --> 00:42:49.928 here. $255.2 million, 42% of which of the total budget is dedicated to 00:42:49.962 --> 00:42:53.832 capital investment. 130 39 community members presented or made 00:42:53.865 --> 00:43:00.238 submissions, whether it be via video, in person or written 00:43:00.272 --> 00:43:06.778 submission, 64 of which have been included in this budget. That tells 00:43:06.812 --> 00:43:14.019 me we've listened as best we can to get their initiatives into our 00:43:14.052 --> 00:43:18.724 budget. This year. We Council provides vital community services 00:43:18.757 --> 00:43:23.762 and to the gallery that are here today, I know how committed you all 00:43:23.795 --> 00:43:29.601 are to the City of Melton and how much you do to make it a better 00:43:29.634 --> 00:43:34.606 place. To my fellow councillors, your commitment to this community 00:43:34.639 --> 00:43:41.046 is second to none, to the executive leadership team that have spent 00:43:41.079 --> 00:43:47.119 countless hours leading up to the November start in preparing all the 00:43:47.152 --> 00:43:52.958 documentation and getting us timely information, has been nothing but 00:43:52.991 --> 00:43:57.929 exceptional to listen. Her team, especially Joel. I want to make a 00:43:57.963 --> 00:44:03.335 commitment. I want to actually acknowledge all of them. I'm still 00:44:03.368 --> 00:44:08.106 not convinced on the four bin system. I don't think everybody 00:44:08.140 --> 00:44:15.180 wants a purple bin, but I know it's been mandated and I know we have to 00:44:15.213 --> 00:44:22.087 do it. And until someone challenges it successfully, we have to budget 00:44:22.120 --> 00:44:27.059 for it. So well done. Council, the community now have another couple 00:44:27.092 --> 00:44:32.564 of weeks to have a look at it. I know not everybody's going. It 00:44:32.597 --> 00:44:37.936 doesn't cover everybody. Not everybody's going to be ecstatic. 00:44:37.969 --> 00:44:42.174 But look at it through the whole of the municipality and know that we 00:44:42.207 --> 00:44:46.111 are a growth corridor, and we have stresses that we need to deal with 00:44:46.144 --> 00:44:49.848 on a day to day basis. But I commend absolutely everybody. Well 00:44:49.881 --> 00:44:55.220 done. Thank you. Councillor Ramsey, would any other Council like to 00:44:55.253 --> 00:44:58.557 speak on the motion? Councillor Majdlik thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd 00:44:58.590 --> 00:45:03.161 like to. It's great to be bringing the proposed annual budget for the 00:45:03.195 --> 00:45:05.997 2020 627 year at tonight's Council meeting, and for it be to 00:45:06.031 --> 00:45:10.302 considered by the community for consultation over the next two 00:45:10.335 --> 00:45:17.209 weeks. This is the largest annual capital works program for this 00:45:17.242 --> 00:45:21.613 Council. A total of $255.2 million. That is amazing. It's an amazing 00:45:21.646 --> 00:45:25.817 outcome for our community and all who call our great city home. And 00:45:25.851 --> 00:45:30.522 Mr. Chair, this is not unusual for this Council always exceeding its 00:45:30.555 --> 00:45:34.793 Capital works Program budget year after year. And as a growth Council, 00:45:34.826 --> 00:45:38.763 we understand that. We also understand the need to be mindful, 00:45:38.797 --> 00:45:42.734 prudent and considered when developing the budget, particularly 00:45:42.767 --> 00:45:47.072 with all the external factors that we are all facing. And that's not 00:45:47.105 --> 00:45:51.276 just our Council, but all the households, our state, this country 00:45:51.309 --> 00:45:54.679 and worldwide. And keeping in mind the long term financial 00:45:54.713 --> 00:45:57.549 sustainability of the Council, this proposed budget will deliver 00:45:57.582 --> 00:46:01.820 important infrastructure and services that our community have 00:46:01.853 --> 00:46:05.557 been telling us that they need. We have heard our community and 00:46:05.590 --> 00:46:09.027 together as a Councillor group with our community and Council staff, 00:46:09.060 --> 00:46:13.798 have been developing and considering this budget since 00:46:13.832 --> 00:46:18.236 November of last year. I'm excited for this Council to be officially 00:46:18.270 --> 00:46:21.239 noting the proposed budget for 2627, and for it be to consider and for 00:46:21.273 --> 00:46:25.210 it to be considered by the community. I'd like to thank all 00:46:25.243 --> 00:46:28.513 the community, all the Council staff and my fellow Councillor 00:46:28.547 --> 00:46:31.983 colleagues that have provided their feedback and input towards this 00:46:32.017 --> 00:46:36.855 Council budget. In saying that, I'd like to especially thank our 00:46:36.888 --> 00:46:41.493 current mayor, Councillor Lara Carli, together with our CEO Roslyn 00:46:41.526 --> 00:46:44.696 Wai, for leading us in developing this budget, and I look forward to 00:46:44.729 --> 00:46:48.333 the community feedback over the next few weeks. Well said. Thank 00:46:48.366 --> 00:46:52.871 you, Mr. Chair. Well said. Councillor Majdlik. Yeah, commend 00:46:52.904 --> 00:46:58.710 the officers as well. They did a fantastic job. Okay so councillors, 00:46:58.743 --> 00:47:04.015 I now put a motion to the vote. All those in favour? Carried 00:47:04.049 --> 00:47:08.787 unanimously. Thank you. Councillor Zada can I call for a division, 00:47:08.820 --> 00:47:12.224 please? Okay. Councillor Abboushi has called for a division. 00:47:12.257 --> 00:47:15.760 Therefore, setting aside the original vote, I put the matter to 00:47:15.794 --> 00:47:19.664 a vote again. All those in favour of the motion, please raise your 00:47:19.698 --> 00:47:22.300 hand. Councillor Turner Councillor Majdlik Councillor Abboushi 00:47:22.334 --> 00:47:26.271 Councillor Morris. Councillor Zada. Councillor Shannon Councillor 00:47:26.304 --> 00:47:35.480 Ramsey Councillor Verdon Councillor Vandenberg. I declare the division 00:47:35.513 --> 00:47:39.751 carried. Okay. Item. Sorry. Thank you. Item 12.2 Mayoral Committee 00:47:39.784 --> 00:47:44.522 Initiatives 2025 to 26 Creative Connections. The report will be 00:47:44.556 --> 00:47:47.993 presented by Troy Scoble Director of City Life. Thanks, Deputy mayor. 00:47:48.026 --> 00:47:51.162 The purpose of this report is to propose to Council the City of 00:47:51.196 --> 00:47:56.735 Melton Creative Connections Project as the Mayoral Community initiative 00:47:56.768 --> 00:47:59.304 for the 2526 mayoral term. The paper outlines the methodology 00:47:59.337 --> 00:48:02.907 behind the initiative and the schools that Council will be 00:48:02.941 --> 00:48:06.044 seeking to partner to develop the artwork projects. The projects will 00:48:06.077 --> 00:48:10.248 engage with students throughout the provision of a series of arts 00:48:10.282 --> 00:48:13.151 workshops facilitated by practising artists, focusing on the use of 00:48:13.184 --> 00:48:17.088 different media. At each session. Students will have the opportunity 00:48:17.122 --> 00:48:21.259 then to have their artwork printed onto cards and made available for 00:48:21.293 --> 00:48:25.063 the community. A celebration event would be planned at the end of the 00:48:25.096 --> 00:48:28.266 project to showcase the student artwork. The recommendation is for 00:48:28.300 --> 00:48:33.305 Council to approve the City of Melton Creative Connections Project 00:48:33.338 --> 00:48:40.612 as the Mayoral Community initiative for the 2025 2026 mayoral term. 00:48:40.645 --> 00:48:43.682 Thank you, thank you. Does any Councillor require clarification? 00:48:43.715 --> 00:48:47.118 We have a recommendation in the report. Do I have a Councillor to 00:48:47.152 --> 00:48:49.954 move a motion? Councillor Majdlik thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to 00:48:49.988 --> 00:48:55.160 move that Council approve the proposed City of Melton Creative 00:48:55.193 --> 00:49:01.299 Connections project as the mayoral community initiative for the 2526 00:49:01.333 --> 00:49:04.736 mayoral term. Thank you. Do I have a Councillor to second the motion? 00:49:04.769 --> 00:49:13.611 Councillor Abboushi happy to second that one. Thank you, thank you. 00:49:13.645 --> 00:49:21.152 Would any Councillor like to speak to the motion? Councillor Shannon. 00:49:21.186 --> 00:49:24.155 Oh, sorry. Apologies. Sorry, it's my first rodeo. Councillor Majdlik 00:49:24.189 --> 00:49:28.293 would you like to speak? That's okay, Mr. Deputy. You're doing a 00:49:28.326 --> 00:49:32.230 good job. On behalf of the mayor, I'm pleased to announce the City of 00:49:32.263 --> 00:49:36.935 Melton Creative Connections Program as the Mayoral Community Initiative 00:49:36.968 --> 00:49:40.638 project for 2026. The mayor wished she was here to present this report 00:49:40.672 --> 00:49:43.742 herself. However, unfortunately, she is unwell. Through this 00:49:43.775 --> 00:49:47.779 initiative, Council will partner with local specialist schools in 00:49:47.812 --> 00:49:52.517 the City of Melton to create shared collaborative spaces where students 00:49:52.550 --> 00:49:56.054 can connect through workshops and hands on art and crafts activities. 00:49:56.087 --> 00:50:00.291 These activities are designed not only to build creative skills but 00:50:00.325 --> 00:50:04.729 also to foster confidence, connection and a sense of belonging. 00:50:04.763 --> 00:50:08.800 The program aims to promote inclusivity, strengthen social 00:50:08.833 --> 00:50:13.271 connections, and nurture, inspire creativity among young people with 00:50:13.304 --> 00:50:17.742 a disability. It's about bringing people together, creating 00:50:17.776 --> 00:50:21.179 opportunities and ensuring everyone in our community feels seen, valued 00:50:21.212 --> 00:50:24.983 and included. This initiative aligns strongly with council's 00:50:25.016 --> 00:50:28.653 commitment to genuine community engagement and building a city 00:50:28.686 --> 00:50:31.790 where people have equitable, equitable access to local 00:50:31.823 --> 00:50:35.927 activities and opportunities. This is something I know the mayor is 00:50:35.960 --> 00:50:39.831 deeply passionate about. It's pleasing to see this inspiring 00:50:39.864 --> 00:50:43.134 program, supported by councillors, demonstrating a shared commitment 00:50:43.168 --> 00:50:47.605 to inclusion and to initiatives that make a real and lasting 00:50:47.639 --> 00:50:52.710 difference in our community. In the report, it states that this project 00:50:52.744 --> 00:50:57.282 builds on a previous City of Melton Initiative Go arty program. I just 00:50:57.315 --> 00:51:01.719 want to make a point that this initiative in 2018 also came from 00:51:01.753 --> 00:51:04.556 the mayor, and it was such a great success. I know the mayor will be 00:51:04.589 --> 00:51:09.527 looking forward to seeing the Creative Connections program come 00:51:09.561 --> 00:51:13.031 to life over the months ahead. Meeting participants, watching 00:51:13.064 --> 00:51:18.203 relationships form and seeing the wonderful artwork that emerges 00:51:18.236 --> 00:51:23.174 emerges from this collaboration. I would like to commend our our mayor 00:51:23.208 --> 00:51:27.812 on this fantastic initiative. This will be a wonderful opportunity for 00:51:27.846 --> 00:51:31.816 students who live with disabilities who unfortunately, often get 00:51:31.850 --> 00:51:35.787 overlooked in the community for their exceptional talents. I'm 00:51:35.820 --> 00:51:39.257 really looking forward to seeing the whole process unfold and 00:51:39.290 --> 00:51:42.660 celebrating with the students their artwork in the coming months. Once 00:51:42.694 --> 00:51:46.931 again, well done to our mayor for considering highlighting and 00:51:46.965 --> 00:51:50.401 supporting such a worthwhile initiative. Thank you, Mr. Deputy 00:51:50.435 --> 00:51:53.304 Speaker. Councillor Abboushi, has the seconder of the motion. Would 00:51:53.338 --> 00:51:57.775 you like to. I'd love to. Councillor Zada. Thank you very 00:51:57.809 --> 00:52:01.713 much. I strongly support the proposed Creative Connections 00:52:01.746 --> 00:52:04.849 initiative at this year's Mayoral Community Initiative. It's truly 00:52:04.883 --> 00:52:09.654 outstanding and meaningful project, one that reflects the very best of 00:52:09.687 --> 00:52:13.224 what our local government can offer, offer and deliver. When we put 00:52:13.258 --> 00:52:16.694 inclusion, creativity and community at the centre of all that we do. I 00:52:16.728 --> 00:52:20.532 mean, how could you possibly go wrong? What makes this initiative 00:52:20.565 --> 00:52:24.802 so powerful is its focus on providing students with disability, 00:52:24.836 --> 00:52:28.907 the opportunity to express themselves through art, to build 00:52:28.940 --> 00:52:32.677 confidence and to be celebrated for their talents. These are the kinds 00:52:32.710 --> 00:52:35.880 of opportunities that create lasting impact, not just for the 00:52:35.914 --> 00:52:40.552 students involved, but for their families, their school, and the 00:52:40.585 --> 00:52:43.688 broader community. I want to sincerely thank our mayor, 00:52:43.721 --> 00:52:48.059 Councillor Lara Carli, for bringing this forward for such a thoughtful 00:52:48.092 --> 00:52:51.729 and inspiring initiative. This is leadership that recognises the 00:52:51.763 --> 00:52:56.000 importance of connection, creativity and inclusion and turns 00:52:56.034 --> 00:52:59.704 those values into real action. The workshops and professionally 00:52:59.737 --> 00:53:03.174 printed cards through to the final celebration event. This initiative 00:53:03.207 --> 00:53:07.145 ensures that participants are engaged and genuinely recognised 00:53:07.178 --> 00:53:11.616 and valued. This is something our whole community can be proud of, 00:53:11.649 --> 00:53:13.551 and I fully support this initiative and congratulate our mayor, 00:53:13.585 --> 00:53:16.721 Councillor Lara Carli, on delivering something that will 00:53:16.754 --> 00:53:20.925 leave a lasting legacy across the city. Thank you very much. Thank 00:53:20.959 --> 00:53:24.262 you. Councillor Abboushi. Councillor Shannon. Thanks, Mr. 00:53:24.295 --> 00:53:27.298 deputy, I just want to say well done to our mayor. It's a shame 00:53:27.332 --> 00:53:31.736 she's not here. I hope she's getting a chance to listen. And if 00:53:31.769 --> 00:53:35.273 you are. Hi. What a fabulous initiative. I can't wait to see the 00:53:35.306 --> 00:53:39.277 thank you cards. And I'm sure both schools, their students and 00:53:39.310 --> 00:53:43.214 families and friends are really excited about this project. Yeah. 00:53:43.247 --> 00:53:48.753 Just another well done. Thank you, thank you. Councillor Shannon. 00:53:48.786 --> 00:53:53.825 Councillor Morris. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. I'd like to take a moment 00:53:53.858 --> 00:53:58.129 to express how pleased I am to see this year's mayoral initiative 00:53:58.162 --> 00:54:02.066 creating connections. It's a fantastic reflection of the vision 00:54:02.100 --> 00:54:06.037 and leadership of our Council. I'm proud to be a part of the Arts and 00:54:06.070 --> 00:54:11.042 Culture Committee alongside Madam Mayor, whose dedication to 00:54:11.075 --> 00:54:15.580 supporting creative industries and local artists in our city is clear 00:54:15.613 --> 00:54:19.317 and inspiring. This is an innovative initiative and it will 00:54:19.350 --> 00:54:23.721 make a meaningful contribution to our community, creating 00:54:23.755 --> 00:54:28.192 opportunities for expression, connection and growth. I'd like to 00:54:28.226 --> 00:54:32.263 warmly thank the mayor for her inclusive initiative and the 00:54:32.296 --> 00:54:35.400 continued commitment to championing local artists in the City of Melton. 00:54:35.433 --> 00:54:43.141 Thank you, thank you. Councillor Morris would any other Council like 00:54:43.174 --> 00:54:48.146 to speak? Councillor Ramsey. Can I just say the Go Arty program in 00:54:48.179 --> 00:54:56.087 2018 was one of the best things this Council ever did, and it was 00:54:56.120 --> 00:55:01.626 led by our our mayor, Councillor Lara Carli. It just created so much 00:55:01.659 --> 00:55:08.066 inclusion, so much creativity, and I have still got the set of cards 00:55:08.099 --> 00:55:13.371 proudly displayed in in my room. It mean it meant so much to me and I 00:55:13.404 --> 00:55:20.978 am so grateful that the Melton creativity connections has come 00:55:21.012 --> 00:55:27.018 back as the mayoral. Community initiative for this year. I've been 00:55:27.051 --> 00:55:31.255 waiting patiently for thank you cards for the City of Melton, and I 00:55:31.289 --> 00:55:38.896 know exactly. We're going to be flooding Melton with the. And the 00:55:38.930 --> 00:55:43.801 kids are going to absolutely feel so proud and so confident. And 00:55:43.835 --> 00:55:48.973 that's what community is all about. Well done to our mayor, Councillor 00:55:49.006 --> 00:55:52.643 Lara Carli. He. Would any other Council like to speak on the motion? 00:55:52.677 --> 00:55:58.616 No. Councillors. I now put the motion to a vote. All those in 00:55:58.649 --> 00:56:03.020 favour carried unanimously. Mr. Deputy Mayor, could I call for a 00:56:03.054 --> 00:56:06.224 division, please? Of course you can. Councillor Majdlik has called for a 00:56:06.257 --> 00:56:09.327 division. Therefore, setting aside the original vote. I'll put the 00:56:09.360 --> 00:56:12.196 matter to the vote again. All those in favour of the motion, please 00:56:12.230 --> 00:56:15.700 raise your hand. Councillor Turner. Councillor Majdlik. Councillor 00:56:15.733 --> 00:56:19.270 Abboushi. Councillor Morris. Councillor Zada. Councillor Shannon. 00:56:19.303 --> 00:56:25.009 Councillor Ramsey. Councillor Verdon and Councillor Vandenberg. I 00:56:25.042 --> 00:56:32.850 declare the division carried. Well done, Mr. Deputy. You're doing an 00:56:32.884 --> 00:56:37.922 excellent job there. 12 item 12.3 response to notice of motion 988 00:56:37.955 --> 00:56:41.092 Councillor Vandenberg Hopkins Road. Dean. Side and notice of motion 989 00:56:41.125 --> 00:56:45.129 Councillor Vandenberg Taylor's Road Bonnie Brook. The report will be 00:56:45.163 --> 00:56:48.065 presented by Neil Whiteside director, City Delivery. Thank you 00:56:48.099 --> 00:56:53.304 chair. The purpose of this report is to provide a response to the 00:56:53.337 --> 00:56:56.274 notice of motion 988 Hopkins Road, Dean side and notice of motion 989 00:56:56.307 --> 00:57:00.211 Tolson's Road, Bonnie Brook providing Council with an update on 00:57:00.244 --> 00:57:03.881 the status of each road corridor. The Hopkins Road and Bridge Project 00:57:03.915 --> 00:57:06.784 is a strategically significant transport initiative that will 00:57:06.818 --> 00:57:10.254 complete a vital north south link between the Western Freeway and 00:57:10.288 --> 00:57:15.126 Taylors Road, supporting Melton's continued population growth and 00:57:15.159 --> 00:57:19.030 improving network capability. Sorry capacity, safety, emergency access 00:57:19.063 --> 00:57:22.867 and future public transport opportunities. Tarleton's road 00:57:22.900 --> 00:57:26.504 plays an important interim role as an east west connector on the north 00:57:26.537 --> 00:57:28.039 edge of developing Bonnie Brook precinct. The road continues to be 00:57:28.072 --> 00:57:31.175 managed through a routine maintenance, monitoring and 00:57:31.209 --> 00:57:34.045 response measures, noting the full upgrade of Tarleton's road to an 00:57:34.078 --> 00:57:37.648 urban standard is not expected until developer led delivery 00:57:37.682 --> 00:57:42.453 through the Warrensburg Precinct Structure plan. Thank you. Thank 00:57:42.486 --> 00:57:48.159 you. Does any Councillor require clarification? Councillor 00:57:48.192 --> 00:57:53.664 Vandenberg. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Just a question for officers. So in 00:57:53.698 --> 00:57:58.569 the report it provides details of Hopkins Road and updates for Dean 00:57:58.603 --> 00:58:02.940 side. So Sinclair's to the Sinclair's Road Kororoit Creek 00:58:02.974 --> 00:58:07.945 intersection. Have we got an update on the Hopkins Road development 00:58:07.979 --> 00:58:12.183 from the intersection of Conservatory Drive to Taylors Road? 00:58:12.216 --> 00:58:18.823 I'm happy to take that on note, chair. Thank you. We'll take that 00:58:18.856 --> 00:58:22.927 on note. Thank you. Does any other Councillor require clarification? 00:58:22.960 --> 00:58:25.963 No. Okay. We have a recommendation in the report. Do I have a 00:58:25.997 --> 00:58:30.735 Councillor to move a motion? Councillor Vandenberg. Thank you, 00:58:30.768 --> 00:58:35.673 Deputy Chair. I'd like to move the recommendation that Council note 00:58:35.706 --> 00:58:40.878 the report in response to the notice of motion 988 Councillor 00:58:40.912 --> 00:58:45.750 Vandenberg Hopkins Road. Dean side and notice of motion 989 Councillor 00:58:45.783 --> 00:58:51.889 Vandenberg Tolson's road. Bonnie Brook. Thank you. Do I have a 00:58:51.923 --> 00:58:55.927 second for the motion? Councillor Ramsey. I'd like to second that, 00:58:55.960 --> 00:58:59.130 Mr. Mayor. Mr. Deputy mayor, sorry, I knew I was going to do it. Thank 00:58:59.163 --> 00:59:03.367 you, Councillor Ramsey just to be clear, is there any Councillor 00:59:03.401 --> 00:59:07.004 planning on speaking against the motion? Councillor Vandenberg as 00:59:07.038 --> 00:59:10.374 you are the mover of the motion, would you like to speak to the 00:59:10.408 --> 00:59:15.246 motion at this time? Yes. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. I'd just like to 00:59:15.279 --> 00:59:21.152 thank officers for their work in providing this report, noting that 00:59:21.185 --> 00:59:25.923 the Hopkins Road, the whole lot, the whole corridor, Hopkins Road 00:59:25.957 --> 00:59:34.231 corridor is very vital to to our community and also the future, our 00:59:34.265 --> 00:59:39.737 Tolton's road development. It does. It just provides. The important. It 00:59:39.770 --> 00:59:43.207 ensures the importance of why roads such as Taylors Road need to be 00:59:43.240 --> 00:59:50.548 completed and continuing to do that development and that infrastructure. 00:59:50.581 --> 00:59:54.618 And I really hope that this Hopkins Road corridor is maintains to be of 00:59:54.652 --> 00:59:58.289 high importance to this Council because it is very important to our 00:59:58.322 --> 01:00:01.292 community. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Vandenberg Councillor 01:00:01.325 --> 01:00:06.030 Ramsey. As the seconder of the motion, would you like to speak? Oh, 01:00:06.063 --> 01:00:10.735 just like to say that the road network is vital to our community. 01:00:10.768 --> 01:00:16.507 And I note the report. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Ramsey. Would 01:00:16.540 --> 01:00:23.714 any other Councillor like to speak on the motion? No. All right 01:00:23.748 --> 01:00:40.097 councillors, I now put the motion to a vote. All those in favour? I 01:00:40.131 --> 01:00:45.136 declare the motion carried. Okay. Item 12.4 Community Grants and Fund program around November to December 01:00:45.169 --> 01:00:48.506 2025. This report will be present by Troy. Presented by Troy Scoble 01:00:48.539 --> 01:00:52.243 Director of City Life. Thanks, Deputy Mayor. The purpose of this 01:00:52.276 --> 01:00:55.880 report is to advise outcomes of the November December 2025 community 01:00:55.913 --> 01:01:00.951 Grant and Funding program. Round applications for the round were 01:01:00.985 --> 01:01:03.254 accepted from the 1st of November to the 31st of December 2025. Nine 01:01:03.287 --> 01:01:06.891 applications were received, with eight applications meeting the 01:01:06.924 --> 01:01:10.594 criteria for assessment by the Independent Community Assessment 01:01:10.628 --> 01:01:13.397 Panel. All ineligible and unsuccessful applicants are 01:01:13.431 --> 01:01:19.003 provided feedback to assist them with resubmission for future rounds 01:01:19.036 --> 01:01:24.875 of funding. A total of $30,999 is to be awarded through this round of 01:01:24.909 --> 01:01:29.113 the Community Grants program, and Council has now provided $236,551 01:01:29.146 --> 01:01:32.750 of grants awarded at the halfway mark of this financial year. The 01:01:32.783 --> 01:01:36.687 recommendation is for Council to note the November December 2025 01:01:36.720 --> 01:01:40.826 Community Grants program update. Thank you, thank you. Does any 01:01:40.866 --> 01:01:51.035 Councillor require clarification? Councillor Ramsey the ones where 01:01:51.068 --> 01:01:56.140 they've been ineligible? Have we, the officers, been back to them to 01:01:56.173 --> 01:01:59.009 guide them through the process, through you, Deputy Mayor? Thanks, 01:01:59.043 --> 01:02:03.013 Councillor Ramsey. That's the process that we follow all 01:02:03.047 --> 01:02:06.050 ineligible or those that we also have incomplete submissions that we 01:02:06.083 --> 01:02:10.121 receive as well. And the grants officers work with those community 01:02:10.154 --> 01:02:14.158 groups to support them in resubmission. Thank you. Does any 01:02:14.191 --> 01:02:18.129 other Councillor require clarification? We have a 01:02:18.162 --> 01:02:22.533 recommendation in the report. Do I have a Councillor to move a motion? 01:02:22.566 --> 01:02:26.237 Councillor Shannon thanks. Mr. Deputy, I'd like to move that 01:02:26.270 --> 01:02:33.144 Council note the community Grant program update for November to 01:02:33.177 --> 01:02:36.981 December 2025 for the for the 2025 2026 financial year. Thank you. 01:02:37.014 --> 01:02:42.686 Councillor Shannon. Do I have a seconder for the motion? Councillor 01:02:42.720 --> 01:02:48.192 Morris happy to second that. Mr. Deputy, just to be clear, is any 01:02:48.225 --> 01:02:51.228 Councillor planning on speaking against the motion? No. Councillor 01:02:51.262 --> 01:02:54.532 Shannon has the move of the motion. Would you like to speak to the 01:02:54.565 --> 01:02:58.903 motion at this time? I would, Mr. Deputy. Our local community groups, 01:02:58.936 --> 01:03:02.773 clubs and organisations play a vital role in making the City of 01:03:02.806 --> 01:03:06.076 Melton a vibrant and welcoming place where everyone belongs. 01:03:06.110 --> 01:03:09.213 Council's community grants program is an important way. We support 01:03:09.246 --> 01:03:13.951 these groups to deliver initiatives that strengthen connections, 01:03:13.984 --> 01:03:17.821 support well-being and create positive outcomes for our residents. 01:03:17.855 --> 01:03:22.726 I'm pleased to congratulate the eight recipients from the November 01:03:22.760 --> 01:03:26.964 and December 2025 round of the community grants, with nearly 01:03:26.997 --> 01:03:30.634 31,000 allocated to support their projects. We know this funding will 01:03:30.668 --> 01:03:35.306 be highly appreciated and will help deliver meaningful benefit across 01:03:35.339 --> 01:03:40.344 our community. I'm also proud to note that in the first half of this 01:03:40.377 --> 01:03:45.182 financial year alone, Council has allocated nearly 237,000 through 01:03:45.216 --> 01:03:48.953 the Community Grants Program. This funding has supported a wide range 01:03:48.986 --> 01:03:52.790 of community groups, clubs and organisations across our city to 01:03:52.823 --> 01:03:57.194 invest in programs and initiatives initiatives that directly benefit 01:03:57.228 --> 01:04:01.198 the City of Melton residents. If you are a community group, club or 01:04:01.232 --> 01:04:05.269 not for profit organisation with an idea that will benefit the 01:04:05.302 --> 01:04:09.640 community, I strongly encourage you to explore Council's grants program 01:04:09.673 --> 01:04:12.309 and the other grant streams that we have available and apply. Council 01:04:12.343 --> 01:04:16.280 looks forward to continuing to partner with our community 01:04:16.313 --> 01:04:19.817 organisations to help our city grow stronger, more connected and more 01:04:19.850 --> 01:04:22.853 inclusive. Thank you, thank you. Councillor Shannon Councillor 01:04:22.886 --> 01:04:27.291 Morris. As a seconder of the motion, would you like to speak to the 01:04:27.324 --> 01:04:34.231 motion? Yes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. I just want to say I am grateful 01:04:34.265 --> 01:04:39.203 that our Council recognises the community organisations and how 01:04:39.236 --> 01:04:43.674 important these grant programs are, and encourage community members to 01:04:43.707 --> 01:04:47.077 look into these initiatives. A lot of them become long standing 01:04:47.111 --> 01:04:51.582 supports within our community. So thank you. Thank you, Councillor 01:04:51.615 --> 01:04:56.320 Morris. Would any other Council like to speak to the motion? 01:04:56.353 --> 01:05:00.557 Councillor Verdon thank you, Deputy Mayor. I'd just like to make a few 01:05:00.591 --> 01:05:04.962 comments on our community grant rounds. As someone that's been a 01:05:04.995 --> 01:05:09.033 long term volunteer in a number of organisations, I know how hard it 01:05:09.066 --> 01:05:13.604 is to turn up every day and be a volunteer and rock up and just do 01:05:13.637 --> 01:05:16.807 the thankless task of dealing with the politics of parent groups and 01:05:16.840 --> 01:05:19.276 community groups and all the rest of it. But a lot of these things 01:05:19.310 --> 01:05:23.013 don't happen without sometimes having some financial support to 01:05:23.047 --> 01:05:25.816 run these initiatives and actually build the goodwill within the 01:05:25.849 --> 01:05:28.085 community to encourage those volunteers to keep coming back and 01:05:28.118 --> 01:05:31.922 actually doubling down and reinvesting their time, energy and 01:05:31.955 --> 01:05:35.159 effort. And as a Councillor, I've been really privileged to attend a 01:05:35.192 --> 01:05:38.762 lot of the events that a lot of these grant funding rounds provide 01:05:38.796 --> 01:05:41.865 for, and to see the smiles on people's faces and how much it 01:05:41.899 --> 01:05:45.836 lights people up. It's one of the things I'm really proud of as a 01:05:45.869 --> 01:05:48.906 Councillor that we do support a lot of these things, and I just want to 01:05:48.939 --> 01:05:51.141 acknowledge the great work that we do in the grant space. Thanks, 01:05:51.175 --> 01:05:54.011 Deputy Mayor. Thank you. Councillor Verdon would any other Councillor 01:05:54.044 --> 01:05:57.848 like to speak to the motion? Councillor Majdlik what a fantastic 01:05:57.881 --> 01:06:01.585 outcome this is. Mr. Deputy Mayor for our community, but also a great 01:06:01.618 --> 01:06:05.823 legacy for this Council. Can I commend our Council officers who 01:06:05.856 --> 01:06:11.929 have been working tirelessly for many years to get this grant, the 01:06:11.962 --> 01:06:15.599 community Grant initiative down pat and lots of questions from the 01:06:15.632 --> 01:06:20.904 councillors to see how we can always better the the program. But 01:06:20.938 --> 01:06:26.977 this is a great effort and a great outcome, particularly for the 01:06:27.010 --> 01:06:30.614 community groups that are providing food relief for our other for our 01:06:30.647 --> 01:06:34.618 our residents and our community members. I encourage you, if 01:06:34.651 --> 01:06:39.690 somebody is struggling in regards to putting food on the table, 01:06:39.723 --> 01:06:44.194 please reach out to this Council. We can direct you and help you find 01:06:44.228 --> 01:06:49.199 the right channels to, to, to put that food on the table for your for 01:06:49.233 --> 01:06:54.772 your family. Sometimes there's people and families that are 01:06:54.805 --> 01:06:57.841 probably too embarrassed to ask for help, but it will be a confidential, 01:06:57.875 --> 01:07:03.280 you know, call. It won't be discussed anywhere else and you'll 01:07:03.313 --> 01:07:06.717 get the chance to alleviate some pressure from your family. So well 01:07:06.750 --> 01:07:12.055 done to the community members who applied. Well done to the Council 01:07:12.089 --> 01:07:15.025 staff for perfecting this program. And what a great result, a great 01:07:15.058 --> 01:07:19.163 achievement. Thank you, thank you. Councillor Majdlik. Would any other 01:07:19.196 --> 01:07:23.200 Councillor like to speak to the motion? Councillor Turner thank you, 01:07:23.233 --> 01:07:27.604 Mr. Deputy. I'd just like to say what a great range of different 01:07:27.638 --> 01:07:30.774 things that have been funded and basically through the whole of the 01:07:30.808 --> 01:07:35.045 community. I don't think there's there's any other words I've missed 01:07:35.078 --> 01:07:40.684 out in this. It's just fantastic to see that the the panel has done 01:07:40.717 --> 01:07:44.321 such a great job in putting this to bed in this way. Thank you, thank 01:07:44.354 --> 01:07:51.161 you. Councillor Turner would any other Councillor like to speak? 01:07:51.195 --> 01:07:57.067 Councillor Ramsey. Vital dollars for vital projects. Great work 01:07:57.100 --> 01:08:00.337 Council. Thank you, Councillor Ramsey. Any other Councillor? Nope. 01:08:00.370 --> 01:08:10.814 Okay councillors. I now put the motion to the vote. All those in 01:08:10.848 --> 01:08:14.418 favour? I declare the motion carried unanimously. Item 12.5 01:08:14.451 --> 01:08:18.689 naming of a new community building in Diggers Rest. Shortlisted names 01:08:18.722 --> 01:08:22.025 for the Community consultation. This report will be presented by 01:08:22.059 --> 01:08:25.496 Emily Keogh Head of Governance. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Deputy 01:08:25.529 --> 01:08:30.067 Mayor, the purpose of this report is to present the proposed naming 01:08:30.100 --> 01:08:33.270 theme and shortlisted names for endorsement to undertake community 01:08:33.303 --> 01:08:40.611 consultation to name the new community building in Diggers Rest. 01:08:40.644 --> 01:08:42.679 Thank you, thank you. Does any Councillor require clarification? 01:08:42.713 --> 01:08:47.050 Councillors? We have a recommendation in the report. Do I 01:08:47.084 --> 01:08:51.255 have a Councillor to move a motion? Councillor Verdon thank you, Deputy 01:08:51.288 --> 01:08:54.525 Mayor. I'd like to move a motion that recommends Council resolve 01:08:54.558 --> 01:08:58.695 that. The naming theme for the new community building in Diggers Rest 01:08:58.729 --> 01:09:03.667 be linking the name to place two. Resolve that the five shortlisted 01:09:03.700 --> 01:09:07.604 names are Diggers Rest Community Centre, A, B Golden Sun Children's 01:09:07.638 --> 01:09:10.874 Community Centre, C Volcanic Plains Children's Community Centre, D 01:09:10.908 --> 01:09:14.211 Goldfields Community Centre, Diggers Rest and E Vineyard Road 01:09:14.244 --> 01:09:18.048 Children's and Community Centre three published a public notice on 01:09:18.081 --> 01:09:20.651 council's website for a period of no less than 30 days in the Melton 01:09:20.684 --> 01:09:24.154 and Moorabool Star Weekly and Sunbury Macedon Ranges star weekly 01:09:24.187 --> 01:09:28.025 and any other manner as Council's Chief Executive Officer determines. 01:09:28.058 --> 01:09:31.228 Stating a. The selected naming theme is linking the name to place 01:09:31.261 --> 01:09:34.965 B. The community is invited to vote on one of the five shortlisted 01:09:34.998 --> 01:09:38.101 names listed in the above point. Two C the following closing of the 01:09:38.135 --> 01:09:41.071 consultation period, Council will consider all votes and a report 01:09:41.104 --> 01:09:44.107 will be presented to a future meeting of Council where a final 01:09:44.141 --> 01:09:47.110 decision will be made at the name and author and for Authorises 01:09:47.144 --> 01:09:50.881 Council Chief Executive Officer to take such steps as are necessary to 01:09:50.914 --> 01:09:54.084 give effect to this resolution. Thank you. Councillor Verdon do I 01:09:54.117 --> 01:09:58.889 have a seconder for the motion? Councillor Vandenberg. Thank you. 01:09:58.922 --> 01:10:03.360 Happy to second that. Thank you. Just to be clear, is any Councillor 01:10:03.393 --> 01:10:07.164 planning on speaking against the motion? No. Councillor Verdon as 01:10:07.197 --> 01:10:11.702 the mover of the motion, would you like to speak to the motion at this 01:10:11.735 --> 01:10:15.005 time? Thanks. Deputy mayor. I'll start out by saying I make no bones 01:10:15.038 --> 01:10:19.242 about being a very proud Diggers Rest. I think everyone knows that, 01:10:19.276 --> 01:10:22.179 but I'm also very proud to serve as Melton Council law more broadly and 01:10:22.212 --> 01:10:26.750 represent all the residents throughout my ward, including 01:10:26.783 --> 01:10:30.053 hillside. But it's really lovely to see something like this incredible 01:10:30.087 --> 01:10:33.624 community centre finally get to the point where we are thinking about a 01:10:33.657 --> 01:10:37.594 name, just a few dot points, just to share with the community about 01:10:37.628 --> 01:10:40.197 what this amazing building will hopefully be able to offer the 01:10:40.230 --> 01:10:43.567 residents of Diggers Rest, which will hopefully help inform the 01:10:43.600 --> 01:10:45.969 voting of the naming. It will. A modern, purpose built facility 01:10:46.003 --> 01:10:49.840 designed to meet the growing needs of the community, particularly 01:10:49.873 --> 01:10:53.910 young families, children and carers, and it will include two maternal 01:10:53.944 --> 01:10:57.114 and child health rooms. It's going to be a library lounge, the first 01:10:57.147 --> 01:11:00.851 of its kind in the City of Melton. And the intention here, I'm hoping, 01:11:00.884 --> 01:11:03.820 is it will support the lack of a secondary school provisions in the 01:11:03.854 --> 01:11:06.690 Diggers Rest community. So that's really exciting as well. It'll be a 01:11:06.723 --> 01:11:09.593 warm and welcoming place where people can come together, take part 01:11:09.626 --> 01:11:13.797 in library programs and access essential services, and it also 01:11:13.830 --> 01:11:16.933 acts as a really crucial hub for the broader community hub precinct 01:11:16.967 --> 01:11:21.171 in the centre of town. It will basically serve as our main civic 01:11:21.204 --> 01:11:24.041 building in the area. It's why the name of the centre is important. It 01:11:24.074 --> 01:11:27.044 should be something the community can connect with, feel proud of and 01:11:27.077 --> 01:11:30.213 see reflected in their local area. The naming theme, which links the 01:11:30.247 --> 01:11:32.916 name to place and the shortlisted names, have all come directly from 01:11:32.949 --> 01:11:35.452 community suggestions and consultation earlier this year, and 01:11:35.485 --> 01:11:38.555 I would like to thank everyone who took their time to share their 01:11:38.588 --> 01:11:41.458 ideas during the process. When the next round of consultation opens, 01:11:41.491 --> 01:11:45.228 we get to vote. So this is the really important thing. So it's 01:11:45.262 --> 01:11:48.398 very exciting. So I encourage everyone to get in and do a vote. 01:11:48.432 --> 01:11:51.468 I'll be putting my vote in, but you'll have to ask me what it is 01:11:51.501 --> 01:11:54.404 outside of the Council chamber. So I'm looking forward to seeing the 01:11:54.438 --> 01:11:56.573 outcome of the vote. Thanks very much, Deputy Mayor. Thank you. 01:11:56.606 --> 01:12:01.478 Councillor Verdon Councillor Vandenberg. As the seconder of the 01:12:01.511 --> 01:12:05.982 motion, would you like to speak to the motion? Thank you, Deputy Mayor. 01:12:06.016 --> 01:12:10.787 Well done. For the Diggers Rest community. It's a great initiative 01:12:10.821 --> 01:12:14.091 that's going to happen, and I look forward to what comes back and for 01:12:14.124 --> 01:12:19.796 the community centre to be built. Thank you, thank you. Councillor 01:12:19.830 --> 01:12:25.802 Vandenberg would any other Council like to speak to the motion? No, 01:12:25.836 --> 01:12:33.477 councillors. I now put the motion to the vote. All those in favour? I 01:12:33.510 --> 01:12:36.947 declare the motion carried unanimously. Councillors. Item 12.6 01:12:36.980 --> 01:12:40.751 Cobblebank building name final approval. The report will be 01:12:40.784 --> 01:12:44.588 presented by Emily Keogh Head of Governance. Councillor Zada. Can I 01:12:44.621 --> 01:12:48.225 move recommendations as put please? No, you can't, because I've got 01:12:48.258 --> 01:12:51.762 speaking notes and I would need to read them. Oh, you would like to 01:12:51.795 --> 01:12:55.332 speak Councillor Ramsey? Well, yeah, I'll withdraw that. Thank you, 01:12:55.365 --> 01:12:59.703 thank you. Through you, Mr. Deputy Mayor, the purpose of this report 01:12:59.736 --> 01:13:03.240 is to present the proposed final name being the Cobblebank Community 01:13:03.273 --> 01:13:08.311 Hub for endorsement for the new community building in Cobblebank, 01:13:08.345 --> 01:13:12.883 for submission to Geographic names. Victoria. Thank you, thank you. 01:13:12.916 --> 01:13:15.385 Does any Councillor require clarification? We have a 01:13:15.418 --> 01:13:22.292 recommendation in the report. Do I have a Councillor to move the 01:13:22.325 --> 01:13:27.097 motion? Councillor Ramsey. I would love to move this notice of motion. 01:13:27.130 --> 01:13:32.102 Oh this motion it's sort of a joint one because I'm sure I would have 01:13:32.135 --> 01:13:36.273 been arm wrestling the deputy mayor had he not been in the main seat. 01:13:36.306 --> 01:13:40.143 Thank you. Do I have a seconder for the motion? Councillor Turner. 01:13:40.177 --> 01:13:43.847 Pleased to second it. Thank you. Councillor Turner Councillor Ramsey. 01:13:43.880 --> 01:13:47.918 As the move the motion, can I actually read it out? Because I was 01:13:47.951 --> 01:13:51.655 too keen to be smart that I forgot to read out the notice or the 01:13:51.688 --> 01:13:55.192 recommendation. Please do. The Council one endorsed the 01:13:55.225 --> 01:14:00.897 recommendation. Name of the new building will be Cobblebank 01:14:00.931 --> 01:14:05.268 Community Hub endorsed two endorse submissions of the proposal to 01:14:05.302 --> 01:14:12.008 geographic names Victoria to approve Cobblebank Community Hub as 01:14:12.042 --> 01:14:18.682 the final name and three authorise Council's chief executive officer 01:14:18.715 --> 01:14:26.323 to take such steps as is as is necessary to give effect to this 01:14:26.356 --> 01:14:31.895 resolution. Thank you. Now my. It's exciting. It's exciting that we are 01:14:31.928 --> 01:14:41.705 one step closer to the official name for this transformational 01:14:41.738 --> 01:14:46.142 building for our community. I no, Bob seconded it. Sorry. The name is 01:14:46.176 --> 01:14:50.914 especially meaningful because it was informed by you, our community 01:14:50.947 --> 01:14:54.551 from community consultation late last year. I want to sincerely 01:14:54.584 --> 01:15:00.290 thank everyone who shared their ideas and feedback, and everyone 01:15:00.323 --> 01:15:05.262 who took the time to vote on the final name. It's important that a 01:15:05.295 --> 01:15:11.134 building of this significance has a name our community can connect with, 01:15:11.167 --> 01:15:15.005 feel proud of, and the Cobblebank Community Hub does exactly that. 01:15:15.038 --> 01:15:19.876 This facility will play a vital role in our community and will 01:15:19.910 --> 01:15:23.847 provide important health and support services for residents, as 01:15:23.880 --> 01:15:28.551 well as create opportunities for local employment in the community 01:15:28.585 --> 01:15:35.659 services sector. It is one of council's biggest capital works 01:15:35.692 --> 01:15:40.163 projects and it's exciting to see it take shape. It feels like only 01:15:40.196 --> 01:15:46.503 yesterday that we celebrated the start of construction and now we're 01:15:46.536 --> 01:15:51.041 recently reached the the topping out stage. Donna, I'm not going to 01:15:51.074 --> 01:15:56.146 explain that to anybody. Sorry, but it's getting to the top of the 01:15:56.179 --> 01:16:01.885 building, making the completion of this building structure phase. And 01:16:01.918 --> 01:16:05.922 now we have selected a name for this landmark facility. We will now 01:16:05.956 --> 01:16:10.593 progress with the formal naming process, submitting our preferred 01:16:10.627 --> 01:16:14.597 name to the geographic names Victoria for consideration. Once 01:16:14.631 --> 01:16:18.034 complete, this facility will be a major asset for the region, 01:16:18.068 --> 01:16:22.005 supporting health, wellbeing, social connection and local jobs. 01:16:22.038 --> 01:16:26.943 This building will serve our community well into the future, 01:16:26.977 --> 01:16:32.282 providing a welcoming centre for connection and support for the 01:16:32.315 --> 01:16:35.952 residents. Once complete, it will be a major asset for our region 01:16:35.986 --> 01:16:42.859 supporting health, wellbeing, social connection and local jobs. 01:16:42.892 --> 01:16:48.999 And as a proud Coldwell Banker in Melton South and City of Melton, 01:16:49.032 --> 01:16:53.269 resident and Councillor, I look forward to seeing it open in early 01:16:53.303 --> 01:16:59.876 2027 and to a positive and to see the positive impact it will have on 01:16:59.909 --> 01:17:02.846 our community for generations to come. Thank you Councillor Ramsey 01:17:02.879 --> 01:17:07.317 Councillor Turner. As the seconder of the motion, would you like to 01:17:07.350 --> 01:17:11.554 speak? Yes, Mr. Deputy Mayor, I'd just like to say that it's great to 01:17:11.588 --> 01:17:15.258 get the name and get it organised and move forward, but I'm really 01:17:15.291 --> 01:17:19.162 looking forward to the actual completion of the project itself. 01:17:19.195 --> 01:17:23.166 I'll bring so much to that part of Melton, and basically the whole of 01:17:23.199 --> 01:17:27.570 Melton will be so many services and so many businesses going in there 01:17:27.604 --> 01:17:30.740 that it will just be fantastic for our community. Thank you, Mr. 01:17:30.774 --> 01:17:35.512 Deputy Mayor. Thank you. Councillor Turner would any other Councillor 01:17:35.545 --> 01:17:39.149 like to speak to the motion? Councillor Abboushi thank you. 01:17:39.182 --> 01:17:44.120 Councillor Zada. I'm so proud to see the the the name finally come 01:17:44.154 --> 01:17:49.125 to fruition and the development. Councillor Zada. It was only what 01:17:49.159 --> 01:17:53.029 this time last year that I turned the sod and we invited the. The 01:17:53.063 --> 01:17:56.232 local federal member who's now minister to come down. And we took 01:17:56.266 --> 01:17:59.602 photos and we were trying to work out where to position it. So it 01:17:59.636 --> 01:18:03.973 looks like things are happening because it was just a billboard. 01:18:04.007 --> 01:18:07.677 And now the transformation on that site is so exciting. And I'm a big 01:18:07.710 --> 01:18:11.014 supporter of the Mountain South community and, and Cobblebank 01:18:11.047 --> 01:18:14.150 community. It's going to be so exciting to officially go and see 01:18:14.184 --> 01:18:19.122 it once it's fully completed in the near future. Thank you. Councillor 01:18:19.155 --> 01:18:24.861 Zada. Thank you, Councillor Abboushi Councillor Morris. Thank 01:18:24.894 --> 01:18:29.032 you, Mr. Deputy. I just want to say I too am very excited about the 01:18:29.065 --> 01:18:33.803 progression of this project. It's a vital piece of infrastructure in 01:18:33.837 --> 01:18:40.210 our community and anyone who has seen this building can see the 01:18:40.243 --> 01:18:44.981 sheer magnitude of this build and the big investment that this will 01:18:45.014 --> 01:18:48.885 be in our community now and in the future. Thank you, thank you. 01:18:48.918 --> 01:18:52.889 Councillor Morris would any other Council like to speak to the motion? 01:18:52.922 --> 01:18:56.826 Councillor Majdlik I'm really thrilled about the Cobblebank 01:18:56.860 --> 01:19:03.900 building name going forward. Thank you to all the community members 01:19:03.933 --> 01:19:08.004 who voted on both stages. It's a vital it's going to provide vital 01:19:08.037 --> 01:19:13.409 and important services, but also it's a first of its kind of this 01:19:13.443 --> 01:19:17.247 for this Council being a commercial business and it being cost neutral 01:19:17.280 --> 01:19:22.085 in the end, I think that's a very progressive step that this Council 01:19:22.118 --> 01:19:27.157 has made, and hopefully there's many more of these buildings to 01:19:27.190 --> 01:19:32.729 come. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. Thank you, Councillor Majdlik councillors. 01:19:32.762 --> 01:19:40.737 I now put the motion to a vote. All those in favour? I declare the 01:19:40.770 --> 01:19:44.073 motion carried unanimously. Okay. Item 12.7. Nomination of Advisory 01:19:44.107 --> 01:19:47.110 Committee members. The report to be presented by Emily Keogh Head of 01:19:47.143 --> 01:19:50.013 Governance. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Deputy Mayor. The purpose of 01:19:50.046 --> 01:19:53.716 this report is to seek Council approval of the appointment of 01:19:53.750 --> 01:19:56.853 nominated community representatives to four of Council's advisory 01:19:56.886 --> 01:19:59.255 committees to fill several vacancies which have arisen in 01:19:59.289 --> 01:20:04.093 accordance with the requirements of Council's Advisory Committee's 01:20:04.127 --> 01:20:08.865 Terms of Reference. Thank you, thank you. Does any Councillor 01:20:08.898 --> 01:20:12.835 require clarification? No. We have a recommendation in the report. Do 01:20:12.869 --> 01:20:16.005 I have a Councillor to move a motion? Councillor Majdlik yes, Mr. 01:20:16.039 --> 01:20:18.675 Deputy, I'd like to move that Council appoint the nominated 01:20:18.708 --> 01:20:23.146 community representatives for membership on the following 01:20:23.179 --> 01:20:27.517 advisory committees, as detailed in appendix one to this report. Being 01:20:27.550 --> 01:20:31.821 a Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. B Heritage Advisory 01:20:31.854 --> 01:20:36.192 Committee, C Intercultural Advisory Committee and D Youth Advisory 01:20:36.226 --> 01:20:40.897 Committee. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. Thank you. Do I have a seconder for 01:20:40.930 --> 01:20:43.833 the motion? Councillor Verdun. Happy to second that, deputy Mayor. 01:20:43.866 --> 01:20:47.737 Thank you. Councillor Verdon just to be clear, is any Councillor 01:20:47.770 --> 01:20:50.974 speaking against the motion planning to speak against it? No. 01:20:51.007 --> 01:20:56.779 Okay. Councillor Majdlik as they move their motion, would you like 01:20:56.813 --> 01:21:04.120 to speak to the motion at this time? No. Mr. Mayor. Deputy. Finally got 01:21:04.153 --> 01:21:07.223 you to say. Thank you. Councillor Verdon, as the seconder of the 01:21:07.257 --> 01:21:10.793 motion, would you like to speak to the motion? Yes, please. Deputy 01:21:10.827 --> 01:21:15.665 mayor, just a couple of comments. I think, around our committees and 01:21:15.698 --> 01:21:19.535 the extraordinary work that they do to help councillors who already 01:21:19.569 --> 01:21:22.705 have a really great deep connection with our community, but it really 01:21:22.739 --> 01:21:25.608 reinforces it through the representation we have on these 01:21:25.642 --> 01:21:28.311 advisory committees. We've already heard earlier today some of the 01:21:28.344 --> 01:21:31.214 reflections that Councillor Morris has had around the Arts and Culture 01:21:31.247 --> 01:21:34.550 Committee. Obviously, Councillor Abboushi myself sit on the youth 01:21:34.584 --> 01:21:37.687 Advisory committee. We get extraordinary contribution from the 01:21:37.720 --> 01:21:41.190 Heritage Advisory Committee as well. I know, for example, we've had a 01:21:41.224 --> 01:21:43.426 number of heritage items vandalised recently, and due to the support we 01:21:43.459 --> 01:21:46.262 get from our heritage committee, we're able to rebuild those 01:21:46.296 --> 01:21:49.132 monuments. So this is a really important thing for Council to 01:21:49.165 --> 01:21:51.668 actually have the community's involvement with all of these, 01:21:51.701 --> 01:21:55.271 including intercultural committee. I don't know how many cultural 01:21:55.305 --> 01:21:57.473 events I've been to. It's quite extraordinary. So to get on these 01:21:57.507 --> 01:22:01.344 committees is really significant for people to give up their time 01:22:01.377 --> 01:22:03.579 and commit the way that they do and provide us that insight is just 01:22:03.613 --> 01:22:07.250 amazing thing. And it actually helps Council really perform the 01:22:07.283 --> 01:22:10.253 duties that we all want to do to keep our communities healthy and 01:22:10.286 --> 01:22:13.790 connected to what we do. Thank you, thank you. Councillor Verdon would 01:22:13.823 --> 01:22:16.959 any other Council like to speak to the motion? Councillor Abboushi. 01:22:16.993 --> 01:22:20.229 Councillor Zada. I'm really looking forward to welcoming six new young 01:22:20.263 --> 01:22:24.701 people to the Youth Advisory Committee. I'm looking forward to 01:22:24.734 --> 01:22:27.437 welcoming them and hearing some new and fresh and creative and dynamic 01:22:27.470 --> 01:22:31.507 ideas on that committee, because everyone knows that's my favourite 01:22:31.541 --> 01:22:34.177 committee. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Abboushi would any other 01:22:34.210 --> 01:22:39.282 Councillor say Councillor Ramsey got a microphone primed? Well, if 01:22:39.315 --> 01:22:45.521 we're going to start talking about favourite committees. They're all 01:22:45.555 --> 01:22:49.258 they're all pretty spectacular. And for any community member to stick 01:22:49.292 --> 01:22:53.763 their hand up, to be part of these committees is pretty exceptional. 01:22:53.796 --> 01:22:59.569 They come out of a night time, they come out during the day. If there's 01:22:59.602 --> 01:23:04.607 a special event associated with that advisory committee, they are. 01:23:04.640 --> 01:23:10.246 They represent Council as ambassadors in most cases, and it's 01:23:10.279 --> 01:23:14.617 such an honour to sit around a table and hear they're they're the 01:23:14.650 --> 01:23:19.989 experts in the field or they're they're really keen in that in 01:23:20.022 --> 01:23:26.129 those areas. And yes, I'm I'm happy that Councillor Abboushi is happy 01:23:26.162 --> 01:23:31.601 with the youth selection. I just think that all community members 01:23:31.634 --> 01:23:35.171 that put their hand up deserve a huge pat on the back for assisting 01:23:35.204 --> 01:23:41.077 Council in delivering its duties. Thank you. Councillor Ramsey would 01:23:41.110 --> 01:23:45.114 any other Council like to speak to the motion? No. Okay, councillors, 01:23:45.148 --> 01:23:51.988 I now put the motion to the vote. All those in favour, I declare the 01:23:52.021 --> 01:23:54.824 motion carried unanimously. 12.8 advisory Committees of Council 01:23:54.857 --> 01:24:00.696 aggregated meeting minutes. The report will be presented by Emily 01:24:00.730 --> 01:24:04.233 Keogh Head of Governance. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Deputy Mayor. The 01:24:04.267 --> 01:24:07.136 purpose of this report is for Council to receive and endorse the 01:24:07.170 --> 01:24:12.108 recommendations outlined in the minutes from the Disability 01:24:12.141 --> 01:24:15.611 Advisory Committee meeting of the 5th of March 2026, the Arts and 01:24:15.645 --> 01:24:19.315 Culture Advisory Committee Meeting of the 10th of March 2026. The Safe 01:24:19.348 --> 01:24:23.419 City Advisory Committee Meeting of the 11th of March 2026. The Policy 01:24:23.453 --> 01:24:26.355 Review Panel Meeting of the 26th of March 2026 and the Policy Review 01:24:26.389 --> 01:24:31.081 Panel Meeting of the 2nd of April, 2026. Thank you, thank you. Ms 01:24:31.128 --> 01:24:34.765 Keogh. Does any Councillor require clarification? We have a 01:24:34.798 --> 01:24:38.035 recommendation in the report. Do I have a Councillor to move a motion? 01:24:38.068 --> 01:24:40.737 Councillor Shannon thanks. Mr. Deputy, I'd like to move that 01:24:40.771 --> 01:24:45.075 Council receive the minutes of the following advisory Committee 01:24:45.108 --> 01:24:48.745 meetings provided as appendices 1 to 5 of this report and adopt the 01:24:48.779 --> 01:24:54.818 recommendations arising within the minutes. One Disability Advisory 01:24:54.852 --> 01:24:59.623 Committee, 5th of March, 2026 two Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. 01:24:59.656 --> 01:25:05.229 10th of March, 2026 three Safe City Advisory Committee. 11th of March, 01:25:05.262 --> 01:25:09.166 2026 four Policy Review Panel 26th of March, 2026 and five policy 01:25:09.199 --> 01:25:14.004 Review Panel 2nd of April, 2026. Thank you. Councillor Shannon. Do I 01:25:14.037 --> 01:25:17.274 have a seconder for the motion? Councillor Morris happy to second 01:25:17.307 --> 01:25:20.611 that, Mr. Deputy. Thank you. Councillor Morris. Councillor 01:25:20.644 --> 01:25:23.814 Shannon. As the mover motion, would you like to speak to the motion at 01:25:23.847 --> 01:25:27.518 this time? Mr. deputy, I just want to say that how important our 01:25:27.551 --> 01:25:32.222 committees are, and it's a pleasure and privilege to be on the ones I 01:25:32.256 --> 01:25:35.225 am on, as I believe every Councillor would say, the same Ihe 01:25:35.259 --> 01:25:37.961 Councillor Morris as a seconder. Would you like to speak to the 01:25:37.995 --> 01:25:40.597 motion? Oh, just echo what Councillor Shannon just said. Thank 01:25:40.631 --> 01:25:46.069 you, thank you, Councillor Morris. Would any other Council like to 01:25:46.103 --> 01:25:50.974 speak to the motion? No. Okay, councillors, I now put the motion 01:25:51.008 --> 01:25:57.047 to a vote. All those in favour? I declare the motion carried 01:25:57.080 --> 01:26:03.287 unanimously. Okay, councillors, we now have three minutes each to 01:26:03.320 --> 01:26:09.793 present your reports. I will start with Councillor Vandenberg. Thank 01:26:09.826 --> 01:26:13.797 you, Deputy Mayor. So I was on leave for the last month or so. 01:26:13.830 --> 01:26:18.735 First time in six years. So I spent some time with my family. But I was 01:26:18.769 --> 01:26:21.838 able to attend the Aintree Night Market a few weekends ago, which 01:26:21.872 --> 01:26:26.743 was absolutely fantastic. It was lovely to see everyone out and 01:26:26.777 --> 01:26:31.682 about and having a good time. My children definitely enjoyed it, but 01:26:31.715 --> 01:26:40.057 yes, I'm happy to be back and get on with the job. Thank you, thank 01:26:40.090 --> 01:26:45.262 you Councillor Turner. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. On Wednesday the 25th 01:26:45.295 --> 01:26:49.766 of March, I attended the opening of the new facility at rugby facility, 01:26:49.800 --> 01:26:55.005 McPherson's Park. It was certainly well welcomed by the. The players 01:26:55.038 --> 01:27:00.210 and the team were very happy. On the 26th of March I attended the 01:27:00.243 --> 01:27:04.815 Aged Care Quality and Safety Requirements meeting. On the 28th 01:27:04.848 --> 01:27:07.923 of March it was International Women's Day and Multicultural Week 01:27:08.149 --> 01:27:19.056 celebration run by Rena Rama on the 29th of March at Hanover Park. 01:27:19.309 --> 01:27:25.702 Ravinder Kaur did her normal Easter celebration, the Easter Egg hunt, 01:27:25.736 --> 01:27:29.606 the Easter gift bags for the kids, sausage sizzle, face painting and 01:27:29.640 --> 01:27:33.877 lots of kids activities in all three. And it was actually a very. 01:27:33.910 --> 01:27:40.017 The weather was pretty good for them. Some of the highlights was 01:27:40.050 --> 01:27:44.287 Easter egg hunts. I think we've been through all that. Sorry. On 01:27:44.321 --> 01:27:48.959 Tuesday the 31st of March, it was a combined Pensioners Association of 01:27:48.992 --> 01:27:54.231 Melton Easter Barbecue. I was working and I went there after work. 01:27:54.264 --> 01:27:58.769 It was meant to finish at two 3:00, but I didn't realise I walked in 01:27:58.802 --> 01:28:02.706 and disturbed their bingo. They basically threw me out. Not really, 01:28:02.739 --> 01:28:07.344 but they were glad to see me move. They can get on with their bingo 01:28:07.377 --> 01:28:12.015 but it was nice to see them all anyway. On Wednesday 22nd of April, 01:28:12.049 --> 01:28:17.087 it was the recent Planning Reforms and Planning policy session, which 01:28:17.120 --> 01:28:22.159 was a very interesting session on the 25th of April. This last 01:28:22.192 --> 01:28:27.264 Saturday was an amazing day. They were the dawn service in Melton at 01:28:27.297 --> 01:28:32.135 6:00 and the turnout was, I'd say, probably one of the best turnouts 01:28:32.169 --> 01:28:36.840 we've seen. And the number of schools this year was just really 01:28:36.873 --> 01:28:43.013 risen was amazing. The number of people it was that bad. Well, that 01:28:43.046 --> 01:28:49.553 good, as you'd say, the people were right across both lanes of the road 01:28:49.586 --> 01:28:52.723 and right around the the service area. It was just fantastic. And 01:28:52.756 --> 01:28:59.930 then we, of course, we all went along to the country club for 01:28:59.963 --> 01:29:05.302 breakfast, as we do. And then back to the march along the High Street. 01:29:05.335 --> 01:29:09.706 But for the commemorative service at the outside the Council offices. 01:29:09.740 --> 01:29:14.244 And that was basically my month because it was an interesting month, 01:29:14.277 --> 01:29:19.116 certainly a fantastic Saturday. Really enjoyed the day and it was 01:29:19.149 --> 01:29:22.219 well, well welcomed by all the members of the RSL. They they were 01:29:22.252 --> 01:29:28.992 really appreciative of all the effort that Council had put in to 01:29:29.025 --> 01:29:31.995 make the place ready for them on the day. Thank you. Thank you. 01:29:32.028 --> 01:29:35.532 Councillor Turner. Councillor Verdon thank you, Deputy Mayor. I'm 01:29:35.565 --> 01:29:38.835 going to try to do this as quick as I can, because it was pretty busy 01:29:38.869 --> 01:29:41.671 month, actually, since the last Council meeting I first attended on 01:29:41.705 --> 01:29:45.675 the 27th of March. Hillside primaries. Fate really significant 01:29:45.709 --> 01:29:49.212 for Hillside Primary School because they have amalgamated from the 01:29:49.246 --> 01:29:52.716 Hillside Sydenham thing and it went really well. So that was fantastic. 01:29:52.749 --> 01:29:55.986 The 28th, we actually had the Diggers Rest Football Club, 28th of 01:29:56.019 --> 01:29:58.955 March that is Diggers Rest Football and Netball club, Family Day. So it 01:29:58.989 --> 01:30:01.591 was lovely to see our football clubs and netball clubs put on 01:30:01.625 --> 01:30:08.098 special days to actually get community engagement on the 28th 01:30:08.131 --> 01:30:11.301 that afternoon. I then ducked across to, I want to say the Dean 01:30:11.334 --> 01:30:15.705 Side Community Centre, but I might have that wrong, which we. Where we 01:30:15.739 --> 01:30:18.375 had the International Indian Women, Indian International Australia, 01:30:18.408 --> 01:30:21.678 International Women's Day. I'm not going to get that wrong. And they 01:30:21.711 --> 01:30:24.581 had a fantastic multicultural day and we had a a range of councillors 01:30:24.614 --> 01:30:28.518 from across the western suburbs of Council attend, which was really 01:30:28.552 --> 01:30:30.954 lovely to see someone, everyone coming to Melton to celebrate 01:30:30.987 --> 01:30:35.025 International Women's Day multicultural Day. We also had a 01:30:35.058 --> 01:30:37.794 number of state MPs attend that event as well. And then across to 01:30:37.828 --> 01:30:41.198 the George Cross presidential lunch with Madam Mayor, who's obviously 01:30:41.231 --> 01:30:44.935 an. Unfortunately not with us today. So I want to acknowledge her speech 01:30:44.968 --> 01:30:47.938 at that particular event. And my friend Carl Valeri, who was there 01:30:47.971 --> 01:30:51.074 as one of the special guest speakers, which was great. I then 01:30:51.107 --> 01:30:54.678 went to the Sandy Foundation Easter, which Councillor Turner already 01:30:54.711 --> 01:30:58.882 mentioned, which was a great day out, and it was great weather and a 01:30:58.915 --> 01:31:01.818 really fantastic turnout from the community. On the 3rd of April. I 01:31:01.852 --> 01:31:04.921 really want to acknowledge the Easter egg appeal that the Diggers 01:31:04.955 --> 01:31:08.959 Rest animal land. Now I know Diggers Rest animal land is not 01:31:08.992 --> 01:31:12.863 technically in Melton, but they partner with the CFA in Diggers 01:31:12.896 --> 01:31:15.899 Rest to put on an extraordinary amount to raise money for the 01:31:15.932 --> 01:31:19.903 Easter appeal for the Royal Children's Hospital. They raised a 01:31:19.936 --> 01:31:22.906 total of over $51,000 this year, which is an extraordinary effort 01:31:22.939 --> 01:31:27.878 from the residents that live in Diggers Rest. So it's really worth 01:31:27.911 --> 01:31:31.648 acknowledging that particular organisation. I also attended the 01:31:31.681 --> 01:31:34.784 first of the night markets in Aintree, which was great, and then 01:31:34.818 --> 01:31:37.087 I doubled down with the CFA and attended their trivia night on the 01:31:37.120 --> 01:31:42.492 11th of April. They do extraordinary work in our community, 01:31:42.525 --> 01:31:45.495 the CFA. On the 18th of April we had our first home game for the 01:31:45.528 --> 01:31:48.899 Diggers Rest Football Club, where they actually had a win against the 01:31:48.932 --> 01:31:52.869 Riddells Creek team, which was the premiers from last year. So that 01:31:52.903 --> 01:31:59.242 was a great hit out for those guys on the weekend. I also attended the 01:31:59.276 --> 01:32:01.878 on the 19th, the Djerriwarrh Creek Bridge community event, which is 01:32:01.912 --> 01:32:05.148 really great to hear about these local community groups that get up 01:32:05.181 --> 01:32:07.751 and actually take care of our heritage listed artefacts. And they 01:32:07.784 --> 01:32:10.854 really did want to emphasise and acknowledge the support Melton 01:32:10.887 --> 01:32:14.291 Councils provided them, with the camera set up to stop some of the 01:32:14.324 --> 01:32:21.665 graffiti. So really good example of community working together with 01:32:21.698 --> 01:32:27.971 Council and then of course attended the Carrum Sewer Society Anzac 01:32:28.004 --> 01:32:31.074 event on the same weekend, the 19th, and that was supported by Aintree, 01:32:31.107 --> 01:32:34.878 Woodley, Aintree and the Woodley Organisation, as well as the 01:32:34.911 --> 01:32:39.749 Scottish network events. Councillor Verdon and I just only got the last, 01:32:39.783 --> 01:32:43.019 last one, if you'll indulge me, the Deputy Mayor and then of course, 01:32:43.053 --> 01:32:45.822 the Anzac Day ceremonies with the rest of our councillors. Thank you. 01:32:45.855 --> 01:32:50.860 Thank you. Councillor Verdon Councillor Majdlik. Thank you, Mr. 01:32:50.894 --> 01:32:53.496 Deputy. I attended the policy review meeting on the 2nd of April, 01:32:53.530 --> 01:32:58.068 to which the minutes are in tonight's agenda, and I also 01:32:58.101 --> 01:33:00.971 attended both CEO Employment and Remuneration committees. The 01:33:01.004 --> 01:33:04.908 disability advisory meeting. The highlight for this meeting was 01:33:04.941 --> 01:33:09.245 definitely the introduction to Auslan by the Diamond Valley 01:33:09.279 --> 01:33:13.683 Learning Centre, and it was a great way to learn some basic signs for 01:33:13.717 --> 01:33:17.687 the deaf and hard of hearing community. I also attended the 01:33:17.721 --> 01:33:21.291 Anzac Day Dawn service at Lake Caroline, and I'd like to thank the 01:33:21.324 --> 01:33:24.861 Caroline Springs RSL subbranch for their continual work in bringing 01:33:24.894 --> 01:33:28.498 these events together for our community, and the commemorative 01:33:28.531 --> 01:33:32.035 flame that is now a permanent fixture in this space adds a 01:33:32.068 --> 01:33:35.972 wonderful space for all of us to remember the fallen and those who 01:33:36.006 --> 01:33:41.011 gave their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country, all 01:33:41.044 --> 01:33:45.248 that we all call Australia. Can I thank Neil and your team? Thank you, 01:33:45.281 --> 01:33:50.320 Neil, for the work behind the scenes, working together with the 01:33:50.353 --> 01:33:55.025 Caroline Springs RSL to put that that commemorative flame in that 01:33:55.058 --> 01:33:58.728 space. It was a great outcome and so many positive comments from our 01:33:58.762 --> 01:34:01.931 community members as well. And lastly, but certainly not least, 01:34:01.965 --> 01:34:06.703 I'd like to wish every mum a wonderful Mother's Day and hope you 01:34:06.736 --> 01:34:10.940 get spoilt and enjoy spending time with family. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 01:34:10.974 --> 01:34:15.245 Thank you. Councillor Majdlik Councillor Ramsey. Oh, I really 01:34:15.278 --> 01:34:22.619 want to start the day off or the evening off with a bang. The 01:34:22.652 --> 01:34:27.157 mountain. Oh. The Coburn Primary School has submitted about, oh, 60 01:34:27.190 --> 01:34:31.494 letters to the City of Melton from the grade five and grade six about 01:34:31.528 --> 01:34:38.735 the new park that we've put in beside the school, and they've 01:34:38.768 --> 01:34:45.141 given us a 4.5 star out of five. There you go. Now, apart from it 01:34:45.175 --> 01:34:51.214 being wonderful, being sensational, being vibrant, they love the rock 01:34:51.247 --> 01:34:56.186 wall. They're absolutely. I had to look far, far and wide for the 01:34:56.219 --> 01:34:59.622 negatives because that's what I do. But they provided some positive 01:34:59.656 --> 01:35:05.695 feedback as well. The next playground you build needs a water 01:35:05.728 --> 01:35:11.534 element, so on hot days they can cool down. They need a zip slide 01:35:11.568 --> 01:35:15.071 zip line. That's right. All great parks have one. The rock wall is 01:35:15.105 --> 01:35:20.844 challenging, but it's awesome. And the hammock is a little bit hard on 01:35:20.877 --> 01:35:25.148 their bottoms. So they want us to deal with that. Possibly an extra 01:35:25.181 --> 01:35:30.587 bin and an extra tap. Now I know I'm being jovial, but it is great 01:35:30.620 --> 01:35:39.529 to hear from the users, and I expect someone out there to write 01:35:39.562 --> 01:35:42.799 about 600 replies. It's not going to be me. Thank you Council. I hope 01:35:42.832 --> 01:35:47.337 everybody's had a restful and joyous Easter break, both the 01:35:47.370 --> 01:35:51.741 Christian and the Orthodox. And I know, and I'm praying that families 01:35:51.774 --> 01:35:57.046 have recovered after the school holidays. I attended the policy 01:35:57.080 --> 01:36:01.284 review meetings times two, the Community Achievement Assessment 01:36:01.317 --> 01:36:05.755 Panel, where initially I had a conflict because one of my friends 01:36:05.788 --> 01:36:09.292 was on there, but he withdrew. So there's no conflict now. The 01:36:09.325 --> 01:36:15.932 Disability Advisory Committee. And yes, I wasn't as proficient as 01:36:15.965 --> 01:36:21.938 either our CEO or the chair for that meeting. Councillor Majdlik in 01:36:21.971 --> 01:36:26.976 the Oslo sign language. I'm still struggling, but I'm practising the 01:36:27.010 --> 01:36:33.850 CEO panel, the Aged Care Quality Assessment Commission discussion, 01:36:33.883 --> 01:36:37.854 the recent planning reforms and and planning policy. The Combined 01:36:37.887 --> 01:36:41.858 Pensioners Association, and yes, I was there from the start. 01:36:41.891 --> 01:36:47.630 Councillor Turner. And so was the mayor. We actually had the barbecue 01:36:47.664 --> 01:36:52.135 with them and and made ourselves scarce before bingo started. The 01:36:52.168 --> 01:37:01.110 Heritage Month has started. I attended the Toulon Vale CFA 100th 01:37:01.144 --> 01:37:05.114 year, 100th year anniversary. The RSL Melton subbranch had a 40 year 01:37:05.148 --> 01:37:11.321 seminar at the library today and Councillor Shannon I attended. 01:37:11.354 --> 01:37:15.959 Check out this brochure guys. We've got. Listen to this. I'm going to 01:37:15.992 --> 01:37:21.297 this. It's the cunning men and women, colonial folk, magic and 01:37:21.331 --> 01:37:28.938 home remedies. I'm also going to the one which says diamonds, furs 01:37:28.972 --> 01:37:33.176 and murders. Shush you. And also the nocturnal cemetery tour. How 01:37:33.209 --> 01:37:42.252 close am I? You're you're over. I gave you a bit of leeway, but can I 01:37:42.285 --> 01:37:48.024 just two more seconds, please? No. We attended for citizenship 01:37:48.057 --> 01:37:54.197 ceremonies with Madam Mayor. 1600 residents became Australian 01:37:54.230 --> 01:38:03.139 citizens. The two night markets so far. And can I just commend the all 01:38:03.172 --> 01:38:07.110 the Anzac Day services, even the one today. Cookie Steve Cook did an 01:38:07.143 --> 01:38:10.747 absolutely formidable job in replacing Ian Laurie for this year 01:38:10.780 --> 01:38:16.152 whilst he's recovering from his wife's passing. Thank you, Mr. 01:38:16.185 --> 01:38:18.955 Deputy Councillor Ramsey. Happy Mother's Day everybody. We'll take 01:38:18.988 --> 01:38:28.898 some time off yours Councillor Abboushi to cover it, so she'll be 01:38:28.931 --> 01:38:32.201 right. Thank you. Councillor Zada. Okay, I'm being timed so I can go 01:38:32.235 --> 01:38:35.605 ten minutes as well. Then, since our last Council meeting, I've had 01:38:35.638 --> 01:38:39.542 the opportunity to end several community events and programs 01:38:39.575 --> 01:38:43.146 across the city. Thursday the 26th, I visited the hands on Learning 01:38:43.179 --> 01:38:46.049 program at Brookside College in Caroline Springs. It was fantastic 01:38:46.082 --> 01:38:49.652 to see first hand the positive impact this program is having on 01:38:49.686 --> 01:38:53.222 students by building confidence, practical skills and stronger 01:38:53.256 --> 01:38:56.326 engagement with education. On the 30th, I participated in the 01:38:56.359 --> 01:39:00.830 Community Achievement Awards Assessment Panel. These awards are, 01:39:00.863 --> 01:39:03.733 as we learnt from today, always a great reminder of the outstanding 01:39:03.766 --> 01:39:07.770 contributions being made by individuals and groups across our 01:39:07.804 --> 01:39:12.342 city, and it's good to see previous award winners of our Community 01:39:12.375 --> 01:39:15.178 Achievement Awards in the gallery today. Always a pleasure. On the 01:39:15.211 --> 01:39:20.383 1st of April, I joined members of the Youth Advisory Committee on a 01:39:20.416 --> 01:39:24.587 visit to the Victorian Parliament, where we met with former Minister 01:39:24.620 --> 01:39:28.858 for Youth Natalie Suleyman MP. I attended alongside our mayor and 01:39:28.891 --> 01:39:32.495 Council officers from the young Community team and advocacy team. 01:39:32.528 --> 01:39:36.799 It was a valuable opportunity for our young people to engage directly 01:39:36.833 --> 01:39:41.037 with government and have their voices heard at the top level. On 01:39:41.070 --> 01:39:44.073 Saturday, the fourth, I attended the Kids Easter Carnival at 01:39:44.107 --> 01:39:48.277 Transformed Church in Truganina. It was a wonderful community event 01:39:48.311 --> 01:39:52.682 that brought families together in a fun and inclusive environment. On 01:39:52.715 --> 01:39:57.620 the sixth, I had the chance to visit a new local business, The 01:39:57.653 --> 01:40:01.591 Real Deal Pickleball, and I had a game with my family and I didn't 01:40:01.624 --> 01:40:04.560 realise how much fun pickleball actually is. We enjoyed the game 01:40:04.594 --> 01:40:08.097 together and it was great to see the recreational opportunities 01:40:08.131 --> 01:40:13.536 emerging in our areas that support active and social lifestyles. And 01:40:13.569 --> 01:40:17.306 for the record, maybe the manage the director for City Life will 01:40:17.340 --> 01:40:20.743 probably know that a new sport is also coming called paddle. I had a 01:40:20.777 --> 01:40:24.881 I had a email from someone who's interested in starting paddle, 01:40:24.914 --> 01:40:28.117 which is fantastic. On Thursday, the 9th of April, I attended CEO 01:40:28.151 --> 01:40:32.155 Employment Remuneration Committee meeting as part of my Council 01:40:32.188 --> 01:40:36.025 responsibilities and on the 25th of April I attended the Anzac Day Dawn 01:40:36.058 --> 01:40:40.196 service in Caroline Springs. The service was again delivered by the 01:40:40.229 --> 01:40:44.033 great care and respect of the Caroline Springs RSL and I commend 01:40:44.066 --> 01:40:46.669 them for their incredible work they do each year. I also like to give a 01:40:46.702 --> 01:40:49.806 special shout out and acknowledgement to the first 01:40:49.839 --> 01:40:54.610 Caroline Springs Scouts group for their overnight vigil and their 01:40:54.644 --> 01:40:58.281 outstanding contribution on the day. Lest we forget our first. And 01:40:58.314 --> 01:41:01.818 finally, I'd like to acknowledge that 28th of April marks World Day 01:41:01.851 --> 01:41:04.987 for Safety and Health at Work, which is tomorrow, an important 01:41:05.021 --> 01:41:09.292 global initiative focused on preventing workplace injuries, 01:41:09.325 --> 01:41:12.728 illnesses, and psychosocial hazards. It reinforces the message that 01:41:12.762 --> 01:41:15.798 everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace every day. And 01:41:15.832 --> 01:41:19.335 I'm proud to say that Melton City Council continues to demonstrate 01:41:19.368 --> 01:41:23.206 strong leadership in this space, thanks to the leadership of our 01:41:23.239 --> 01:41:27.944 Mayor and Chief Executive Officer. Happy Mother's Day and wishing our 01:41:27.977 --> 01:41:32.715 mayor a speedy recovery. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Abboushi 01:41:32.748 --> 01:41:35.117 Councillor Shannon. Thanks, Mr. Deputy. Apart from all the 01:41:35.151 --> 01:41:39.856 briefings and online discussions that we've had, there's been a few. 01:41:39.889 --> 01:41:44.093 This month I attended the policy review panel, the Western Melbourne 01:41:44.126 --> 01:41:49.232 Tourism Briefing, which was a governance meeting online. The 01:41:49.265 --> 01:41:53.102 Community Achievement Awards Assessment panel, a policy review 01:41:53.135 --> 01:41:57.840 panel. We've had a couple of those this month Easter celebrations, of 01:41:57.874 --> 01:42:03.312 course, with family and I hope everyone had a lovely Easter break. 01:42:03.346 --> 01:42:05.648 The CEO employment and remuneration can never say it. Panel Melton 01:42:05.681 --> 01:42:09.785 Highway Development Advisory Committee. That was great to get 01:42:09.819 --> 01:42:14.190 that up and going after a little while, just just getting it up and 01:42:14.223 --> 01:42:17.994 going. It was great to have that. At last. I managed to get to one of 01:42:18.027 --> 01:42:21.264 the citizenship ceremonies, one of four. I normally try to get to more, 01:42:21.297 --> 01:42:27.703 but it was just great just to get to that one. I really do enjoy 01:42:27.737 --> 01:42:31.007 those. I went to the night market at the Opalia Plaza where views. 01:42:31.040 --> 01:42:34.877 That was a small market. It was meant to be a small market, but 01:42:34.911 --> 01:42:38.848 gosh, it was a good market. There was a lot of people there and well 01:42:38.881 --> 01:42:42.752 done to everyone that puts those on our staff and everyone involved. 01:42:42.785 --> 01:42:47.557 The Western Melbourne Tourism Pre-briefing, the CEO Employment 01:42:47.590 --> 01:42:52.628 and Remuneration panel. Again, recent planning reforms, policy 01:42:52.662 --> 01:42:56.832 session, Western Melbourne Tourism Board actual meeting at the Newport 01:42:56.866 --> 01:43:00.903 Library, where we. We're doing lots. They're going ahead in leaps and 01:43:00.937 --> 01:43:06.709 bounds. Six different councils working together towards tourism 01:43:06.742 --> 01:43:14.016 for this side of the city, which is. There's not much around really. So 01:43:14.050 --> 01:43:19.689 to have the West. With this type of board to come together is starting 01:43:19.722 --> 01:43:23.092 to make a huge difference like we're looking at different hubs and 01:43:23.125 --> 01:43:27.163 there's a special project called Namaste coming up that keep your 01:43:27.196 --> 01:43:31.534 eyes and ears open. That's got to do around the Indian diaspora. It's 01:43:31.567 --> 01:43:35.905 going to be great. And it's one of the first times this type of 01:43:35.938 --> 01:43:41.677 project has been put together. And that's I've been I'm proud to have 01:43:41.711 --> 01:43:44.947 been part of that Anzac Day service, the dawn service. What an amazing 01:43:44.981 --> 01:43:48.985 service this year, the dawn service every single year. I think there's 01:43:49.018 --> 01:43:56.292 at least an extra 2 or 3 schools that come and lay a wreath. And 01:43:56.325 --> 01:44:00.997 that is. It's amazing to see how well our local RSL in particular 01:44:01.030 --> 01:44:05.067 has gone into our local schools and encouraged them to understand and 01:44:05.101 --> 01:44:07.570 know what Anzac Day is about. So that is a huge encouragement. 01:44:07.603 --> 01:44:12.074 There's so many wreaths, they're starting to just take over the 01:44:12.108 --> 01:44:16.212 whole path as well as the steps. Also was part of the march on Anzac 01:44:16.245 --> 01:44:19.949 Day and then had the second Anzac Day ceremony. I'd like to thank Ian 01:44:19.982 --> 01:44:23.319 Laurie for all the years that he has been emcee, and he had a well 01:44:23.352 --> 01:44:31.694 deserved rest this year, and well done to Steven Cook, who stepped up 01:44:31.727 --> 01:44:34.230 and did an excellent job as emcee. Oh, today also I went with 01:44:34.263 --> 01:44:38.934 Councillor Ramsey as part of the Heritage Festival again, the Melton 01:44:38.968 --> 01:44:43.005 RSL Sub-branch 40 years Councillor Shannon a short history which was 01:44:43.039 --> 01:44:48.110 great and happy Mother's Day to everybody. Thank you, thank you. 01:44:48.144 --> 01:44:52.848 Councillor Shannon Councillor Morris. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. Also, 01:44:52.882 --> 01:44:56.585 I hope everyone who celebrates Easter had a wonderful break and 01:44:56.619 --> 01:45:01.624 that families enjoyed the school holidays and a reminder that school 01:45:01.657 --> 01:45:07.196 is back. So please slow down and follow the speed limits in our 01:45:07.229 --> 01:45:13.803 school zones to keep our families safe. I'd like to take a moment to 01:45:13.836 --> 01:45:19.141 acknowledge Ravinder. I also attended the Sandhu Foundation 01:45:19.175 --> 01:45:23.379 event over Easter. This incredible organisation exists to uplift and 01:45:23.412 --> 01:45:27.917 support our community. Rehmat Sandhu was founded out of the 01:45:27.950 --> 01:45:32.588 tragic loss of Ravindra's son, Rehmat, and it's a powerful example 01:45:32.621 --> 01:45:36.292 of turning grief into purpose. Through their heartfelt generosity, 01:45:36.325 --> 01:45:40.262 they create these moments of joy for our community with their 01:45:40.296 --> 01:45:47.703 Christmas and Easter events, simply to bring people together and give 01:45:47.737 --> 01:45:52.174 back to the community. So a shout out to everyone who hosted that 01:45:52.208 --> 01:46:02.084 event and put on such a great event for the city. This month has also 01:46:02.118 --> 01:46:09.525 been busy. We've had many. Excuse me, we've had many meetings. That's 01:46:09.558 --> 01:46:13.362 all my brain did. ADHD at its finest. We had many meetings 01:46:13.395 --> 01:46:18.634 regarding our draft budget and working carefully together to 01:46:18.667 --> 01:46:23.205 continue that. We deliver for our fast changing community and our 01:46:23.239 --> 01:46:27.777 reminder to encourage everyone to submit feedback on the draft budget 01:46:27.810 --> 01:46:32.948 over the next two weeks. Since the last chamber meeting, I also 01:46:32.982 --> 01:46:37.953 participated in a roundtable with the Volga, focusing on incivility 01:46:37.987 --> 01:46:43.259 and evolving challenges within the sector. These conversations are 01:46:43.292 --> 01:46:46.962 critical, ensuring councillors are supported to enable them to perform 01:46:46.996 --> 01:46:50.166 Their roles effectively and maintain strong governance, 01:46:50.199 --> 01:46:54.904 accountability and positive outcomes for the communities we are 01:46:54.937 --> 01:47:00.776 elected to represent. I'm always grateful to contribute to these 01:47:00.810 --> 01:47:06.749 important. I also attended the Amazon Girls in Tech Day at the 01:47:06.782 --> 01:47:11.821 Melton Rec. Again, this was well attended and Amazon are really 01:47:11.854 --> 01:47:17.660 investing in our community and this inspiring initiative encourages 01:47:17.693 --> 01:47:23.265 young women to explore opportunities in the tech sector. 01:47:23.299 --> 01:47:27.937 There's many opportunities for diverse careers and it is 01:47:27.970 --> 01:47:33.776 accessible and open to everyone. And I'm really grateful that they 01:47:33.809 --> 01:47:37.713 present here in the City of Melton. Another highlight was visiting the 01:47:37.746 --> 01:47:41.183 fresh fades at our youth space. Shout out to everyone at Young 01:47:41.217 --> 01:47:45.955 Communities. I said I'll do them a shout out because I know they watch, 01:47:45.988 --> 01:47:51.026 they told me. This initiative continues to grow and it's easy to 01:47:51.060 --> 01:47:53.796 see why providing free haircuts and meaningful conversations. 01:47:53.829 --> 01:47:57.032 Councillor Morris. That's three minutes in a supportive environment 01:47:57.066 --> 01:48:00.769 for our young people is important. And finally, I'd like to 01:48:00.803 --> 01:48:04.373 acknowledge the Anzac Day ceremonies, which were commemorated 01:48:04.406 --> 01:48:08.010 over the weekend. The important reflection honouring the service 01:48:08.043 --> 01:48:13.282 and sacrifice to those who serve and continue to serve. And happy 01:48:13.315 --> 01:48:17.887 Mother's Day. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Morris. All right, here 01:48:17.920 --> 01:48:20.055 we go. My turn. I'd like to take a moment to reflect on some of the 01:48:20.089 --> 01:48:22.958 key activities and engagements undertaken over the past month in 01:48:22.992 --> 01:48:25.828 service of our community. One of the highlights have been the 01:48:25.861 --> 01:48:29.031 opening of the Australia Post Parcel locker at Mount Atkinson 01:48:29.064 --> 01:48:32.801 Children's and Community Centre. This is a particular outcome driven 01:48:32.835 --> 01:48:35.638 by community need which I am proud of. We are already planning. As 01:48:35.671 --> 01:48:40.175 mentioned earlier, to replicate this service across other community 01:48:40.209 --> 01:48:43.879 facilities across our municipality. I attended with Madam Mayor, the 01:48:43.913 --> 01:48:47.216 Diggers Rest Family Fun Day Thornhill Park Easter celebration, 01:48:47.249 --> 01:48:51.553 and I also attended the International Women's Day hosted by 01:48:51.587 --> 01:48:56.592 the Indian Women of Australia. Well event we had obviously Easter and 01:48:56.625 --> 01:49:01.630 Orthodox Easter. So as we celebrate both in our households, a lot of 01:49:01.664 --> 01:49:04.733 food still recovering from that. I'm also pleased to share that the 01:49:04.767 --> 01:49:07.269 City of Melton recently hosted the Girls Tech Day for the first time. 01:49:07.303 --> 01:49:10.639 This initiative, delivered in collaboration with Amazon Web 01:49:10.673 --> 01:49:14.176 Services, Victoria University and the Victorian Department of 01:49:14.209 --> 01:49:18.580 Education, focused on inspiring and empowering young women from years 3 01:49:18.614 --> 01:49:21.850 to 12 to explore opportunities in Stem. It was also a privilege to 01:49:21.884 --> 01:49:24.653 attend the Smoking Ceremony and Harmony Week at Aspire in 01:49:24.687 --> 01:49:28.090 Cobblebank. I'd like to thank Sahala and the team for the 01:49:28.123 --> 01:49:31.760 invitation and the important work they do in bringing people together. 01:49:31.794 --> 01:49:36.065 Over the past month, I've continued to engage across a range of 01:49:36.098 --> 01:49:41.103 important forums and meetings, including the Metro West, meeting 01:49:41.136 --> 01:49:44.273 discussions with the Telugu community alongside Madam Mayor and 01:49:44.306 --> 01:49:47.910 participation in the Safe City Committee, all of which play an 01:49:47.943 --> 01:49:51.647 important role in shaping how we advocate for and support the 01:49:51.680 --> 01:49:55.617 growing city. I also met with the Dreamwork Foundation to discuss 01:49:55.651 --> 01:49:59.588 their Youth Crime Prevention Community initiative. These kinds 01:49:59.621 --> 01:50:02.257 of partnerships is something we need in our city. It's proactive. 01:50:02.291 --> 01:50:06.328 It's community led approaches that focus on early intervention, 01:50:06.362 --> 01:50:09.198 creating positive pathways for our young people. It was great to see 01:50:09.231 --> 01:50:12.034 the strong turnout. The City of Melton Night Markets, which 01:50:12.067 --> 01:50:16.305 continue to showcase local businesses and celebrate the 01:50:16.338 --> 01:50:19.675 vibrancy of our community. Another special moment the past month was 01:50:19.708 --> 01:50:23.212 attending the citizenship ceremony in Cobblebank with my fellow 01:50:23.245 --> 01:50:27.883 councillors. Being part of welcoming new citizens is always an 01:50:27.916 --> 01:50:31.053 honour. It is a reminder of the opportunities that we have here in 01:50:31.086 --> 01:50:34.156 Australia and the shared commitment we all make to contribute to our 01:50:34.189 --> 01:50:37.226 community. Behind the scenes, there's been a lot of important 01:50:37.259 --> 01:50:40.195 work progressing. I undertook training alongside fellow 01:50:40.229 --> 01:50:43.032 councillors on the state government's planning reforms that 01:50:43.065 --> 01:50:47.903 have been introduced over the last 12 months, ensuring that we are all 01:50:47.936 --> 01:50:51.240 well equipped to make informed decisions. I also met with officers 01:50:51.273 --> 01:50:54.943 to discuss a multitude of projects such as Ian Cowie Reserve in 01:50:54.977 --> 01:50:58.180 Rockbank, Mount Atkinson, Thornhill Park, Strathisla and Cobblebank. As 01:50:58.213 --> 01:51:02.117 we, as well as engaging with turbines for Australia around their 01:51:02.151 --> 01:51:04.953 ongoing community support efforts. These conversations, along with 01:51:04.987 --> 01:51:09.191 many others, other projects and initiatives happening right across 01:51:09.224 --> 01:51:11.860 the City of Melton reflect the continued focus delivery 01:51:11.894 --> 01:51:16.632 infrastructure, strengthening community partnerships and 01:51:16.665 --> 01:51:20.869 supporting those who need it most. I want to acknowledge Anzac Day. 01:51:20.903 --> 01:51:23.539 Over the past week, I had the honour of representing the City of 01:51:23.572 --> 01:51:26.875 Melton across multiple Anzac Day services. I was truly honoured to 01:51:26.909 --> 01:51:30.179 step in for the mayor and deliver two addresses on Anzac Day, and I 01:51:30.212 --> 01:51:34.083 want to thank the men and women of the Melton RSL and Caroline Springs 01:51:34.116 --> 01:51:37.753 RSL wholeheartedly for their efforts. It was the first time for 01:51:37.786 --> 01:51:42.624 me marching alongside our veterans, servicemen and women and their 01:51:42.658 --> 01:51:46.495 families, and I felt a deep appreciation for everything they've 01:51:46.528 --> 01:51:51.600 given our country, standing alongside those who served. Hearing 01:51:51.633 --> 01:51:55.571 their stories and witnessing the respect shown across generations. 01:51:55.604 --> 01:51:58.640 With all the young kids on the side having a clap as well. It was great. 01:51:58.674 --> 01:52:02.878 The cadets as well, we could we could definitely see that we're in 01:52:02.911 --> 01:52:06.248 safe hands moving forward. It was a moment like that. Moments like this 01:52:06.281 --> 01:52:09.218 I'll always remember and will always be one of my highlights from 01:52:09.251 --> 01:52:12.054 my time on Council. To my fellow councillors who attended the 01:52:12.087 --> 01:52:15.190 services across the municipality. Thank you and to our veterans and 01:52:15.224 --> 01:52:20.996 their families. We honour your services, your sacrifice and your 01:52:21.029 --> 01:52:24.933 legacy. Lest we forget. Finally, Mother's Day, I want to wish all 01:52:24.967 --> 01:52:28.604 the mothers and mother figures out there a happy Mother's Day to my 01:52:28.637 --> 01:52:31.573 wife, Anna. The love, strength, and care you share. Our children every 01:52:31.607 --> 01:52:34.343 single day never goes unnoticed. You are the heart of our family and 01:52:34.376 --> 01:52:37.679 the one who keeps everything together. And the reason that our 01:52:37.713 --> 01:52:41.817 kids are growing up with such a warm, with such warmth and 01:52:41.850 --> 01:52:45.087 confidence. And I know because I had to tell my mum that I'm 01:52:45.120 --> 01:52:48.257 cheering tonight. She's watching online right now. So, you know, 01:52:48.290 --> 01:52:52.294 typical mum. She's going to be sitting there watching me from 01:52:52.327 --> 01:52:54.830 Sydney live streaming. I wouldn't be the man I am today without her 01:52:54.863 --> 01:52:57.833 upbringing. So you could imagine somebody come from overseas, 01:52:57.866 --> 01:53:04.139 couldn't speak a bar of English yet. SAT there doing homework with me 01:53:04.173 --> 01:53:13.282 every night as I grew up. So thank you mum and I love you. Hi mum. And 01:53:13.315 --> 01:53:16.652 that's it from me councillors. Thank you. Okay. Notices of motion. 01:53:16.685 --> 01:53:19.354 So there are no notices of motion for consideration on tonight's 01:53:19.388 --> 01:53:23.725 agenda. That's probably because I'm chairing and I'm not allowed to put 01:53:23.759 --> 01:53:27.896 one up at that time. Councillor Abboushi did you? Yes. I wanted to 01:53:27.930 --> 01:53:36.772 move a procedural motion. Mr. Deputy Mayor, I'd like to call a 01:53:36.805 --> 01:53:42.511 point of order if he does. Sorry. Forgot about urgent business. Okay, 01:53:42.544 --> 01:53:45.581 it's getting a bit. Okay. There's one more item. So urgent. Urgent 01:53:45.614 --> 01:53:48.984 business. Ms Wai. Are there any items for urgent business for 01:53:49.017 --> 01:53:53.355 consideration this evening, deputy mayor, there are no items of urgent 01:53:53.388 --> 01:53:59.027 business this evening. Thank you, Ms Wai you're jumping the gun, 01:53:59.061 --> 01:54:01.997 weren't you? There are four confidential items for 01:54:02.030 --> 01:54:07.469 consideration on tonight's agenda. I am seeking a Councillor to move a 01:54:07.502 --> 01:54:12.040 motion to close the meeting to the public. Is there any O. Councillor 01:54:12.074 --> 01:54:15.344 Abboushi? Thank you for your very generous Councillor Zada 01:54:15.377 --> 01:54:19.581 confidential business. There is a recommended procedural motion that 01:54:19.615 --> 01:54:23.085 pursuant to section six, six, one and two A of the Local Government 01:54:23.118 --> 01:54:25.921 Act, 2020 and A meeting, the meeting to be closed to the public 01:54:25.954 --> 01:54:29.091 to consider the following reports that are considered to contain 01:54:29.124 --> 01:54:33.996 confidential information on the grounds provided in section three, 01:54:34.029 --> 01:54:40.168 one of the Local Government Act, 2020, as indicated. 16.1 Community 01:54:40.202 --> 01:54:49.244 Achievement Awards 2026. 16.2 Contract Number. 25 to 10 provision 01:54:49.278 --> 01:54:56.318 of security services. 16.3 contract number 2612-0653 managed services 01:54:56.351 --> 01:55:00.789 provider for contingent labor and 16.4 contractual matter. Do I have 01:55:00.822 --> 01:55:05.093 a seconder for the motion? The Councillor Majdlik. I'd be happy to 01:55:05.127 --> 01:55:09.598 second that motion. Thank you, Mr. Deputy. Thank you. All those in 01:55:09.631 --> 01:55:13.201 favour, please raise your hand. I declare the motion carried 01:55:13.235 --> 01:55:16.338 unanimously. Council will now be discussing agenda items that have 01:55:16.371 --> 01:55:19.474 been deemed to be confidential under the Local Government Act 2020. 01:55:19.508 --> 01:55:22.911 It is a requirement that we close the meeting to the public, and we 01:55:22.944 --> 01:55:25.647 invite those present in the gallery to depart, and the holding screen 01:55:25.681 --> 01:55:29.318 will be placed for those watching online. For those who are leaving 01:55:29.351 --> 01:55:32.421 us tonight, I thank you for your attendance, and we do hope that you 01:55:32.454 --> 01:55:35.691 could join us for the next Council meeting, which will be held at the 01:55:35.724 --> 01:55:39.661 Council Chambers at the Melton Civic Centre on Monday the 25th of 01:55:39.695 --> 01:55:42.497 May 2026 at 6 p.m. I would like to remind you that tonight's meeting 01:55:42.531 --> 01:55:46.935 will be available on Council's website as a bookmark recording in 01:55:46.968 --> 01:55:50.639 a few days. For those who wish to stay online. I ask for your 01:55:50.664 --> 01:55:53.767 patience and we will return shortly. Once officers conclude tonight's 01:55:53.809 --> 01:55:58.462 meeting. Well, sorry shortly to officially conclude tonight's meeting 01:55:59.995 --> 01:56:03.832 That concludes tonight's proceedings. Thank you for joining 01:56:03.865 --> 01:56:06.435 us. The next Council meeting will be held in Council Chambers at 01:56:06.502 --> 01:56:11.206 Melton Civic Centre on Monday, the 25th of May, 2026 at 6 p.m. I would 01:56:11.240 --> 01:56:14.009 like to remind you that there will be a bookmark recording of 01:56:14.042 --> 01:56:16.426 tonight's meeting available on the council's website in the coming 01:56:16.451 --> 01:56:23.647 days. I now declare the meeting closed at 8:16 p.m. Thank you once again and have a good night